Messenger scammers invent customs, fees, deposit payments until victim is broke
A resident of Yessentuki transferred more than 2 million rubles (about $22,000 at current rates) to fraudsters during an attempted online car purchase.
Feb 25, 2026 0
A man from Yessentuki was scammed during a car purchase arranged through a messaging app.
Source:
A criminal case concerning large-scale fraud under the pretext of buying a car is under investigation in Yessentuki.
A 34-year-old local resident contacted the police. He said he found an advertisement for a car in a messenger app and contacted the channel administrator, who introduced himself as a manager. This person offered to draw up a preliminary contract and asked for an advance payment — allegedly for customs clearance and payment for the vehicle.
The man transferred the money. After some time, another unknown individual contacted him and demanded payment of a recycling fee. After that, the fraudsters stated that a deposit was also required, otherwise the car would allegedly be sent to an impound lot.
According to the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, when the demands kept growing, the victim suspected a scam and tried to terminate the contract. However, the «sellers» stopped all communication.
Realizing he had become a victim of fraudsters, the man went to the police. The total damage exceeded 2.1 million rubles (about $23,100).
A criminal case has been initiated, and the investigation continues.
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