Moscow doctors become victims of sophisticated scammers: “a letter from the boss”

Money extorted from doctors under the guise of FSB checks

Employees of private clinics in Moscow have faced a sophisticated form of fraud in recent days. The swindlers have learned to completely imitate the chief doctors or heads of departments of medical institutions. They create “double” phone numbers of leaders, write to their “subordinates” and prepare them for the upcoming FSB check. And the essence of the imaginary check is to lure the data of bank cards and accounts from doctors.

As it became known to MK, the staff of at least 10 commercial clinics faced an unusual scam. The scheme looks quite original. An employee receives a message on WhatsApp from allegedly his boss – at least his number, photo and full name are displayed, or the nickname under which he is recorded on the doctor’s phone. After several insignificant questions about health and problems, the “boss” informs the doctor that he received a call from the FSB today. Allegedly, there is a certain list of citizens whose bank accounts need to be checked. The head warns the subordinate that he is on this register, and the investigator will call him in the near future. For greater reliability, the swindler reinforces the story with e-mails signed by him (available to the editors). The message contains, in particular, references to the Federal Law “On Combating the Legalization (Laundering) of Proceeds from Crime” and annoying unambiguous requests: “In this regard, we ask you to focus your attention on resolving this issue in the first place. We emphasize that this is important for maintaining your reputation in our organization and conscientious fulfillment of the requirements of the FSB.”

Sometimes the chain lengthens – first the call is made by a certain curator from the Ministry of Health, and then an imaginary intelligence officer. The “leader” asks the doctor to provide account statements and movement on the card, allegedly for the purpose of further revision through the Central Bank. At the same time, of course, it is impossible to tell outsiders about this check. After a gullible citizen transmits this data, within the next hours (and sometimes minutes), all money is withdrawn from his accounts.

As a rule, the scheme works flawlessly: few doctors realize that it’s not their boss who writes to them, but a scammer who managed to make a duplicate of the desired mobile phone. If someone expresses a desire to call back to clarify the situation, the “boss” immediately writes that he cannot speak at the moment. Several statements have already been received by the police. Law enforcement officers recommend that in case of receiving such letters from the “chief physician” nothing should be done without a preliminary discussion with him – moreover, it is better not by phone, but face-to-face.