Scammers are blackmailing individuals by creating realistic-looking explicit photos using artificial intelligence and demanding payment to prevent their distribution. Victims, primarily aged 23 to 30, are threatened via messengers and phone calls, with ransom demands averaging 40,000 rubles. Those who cannot afford the sum are coerced into taking out loans.

The fraudulent scheme involves gathering a few pictures from social media to generate convincing fake nude images that closely resemble the target. T-Bank advises against negotiating or paying the blackmailers and recommends reporting the incident to the police.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs suggests pretending to be an “unsuitable victim,” ignoring calls, and refraining from initiating phone conversations with suspicious individuals. Law enforcement officials also encourage people to respond to scammers creatively and unexpectedly, potentially disrupting their efforts.