The Interior Ministry warns of a new type of fraud: fake lawyers are preying on victims of con artists.

      Their main argument is the promise to return stolen money or to bring the perpetrators to criminal responsibility.

      The Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Republic of Tatarstan warns of a new sophisticated fraud scheme that is actively spreading on the Internet. Scammers, posing as lawyers and legal advisers, deliberately search for and target those who have already fallen victim to criminals once. Their main argument is the promise to return stolen money or to bring the perpetrators to criminal responsibility. How does the scheme work? To create the appearance of legality, the criminals use convincing methods:

      Creating fake websites. They register domains and develop online resources that copy as closely as possible the design and structure of real legal companies’ or private lawyers’ sites. Loud names mentioning “rights restoration,” “legal assistance center,” or “national bar association” are often used.

      Actively searching for victims. Scammers may monitor discussions on forums, social networks and interest groups where people share stories about being cheated. They then contact the victims via private messages, presenting themselves as specialists who “see your problem and are ready to help.”

      Pressure and false guarantees. Under the guise of a “preliminary analysis of the situation,” the perpetrators may request personal data or copies of documents to build trust. After that they offer to sign a contract and demand an advance payment for “comprehensive work,” “gathering evidence,” “liaison with law enforcement,” or “services to restore rights.”

      The scammers’ goal is one — to convince the person of the urgent need to transfer money for “legal assistance.” After receiving the payment, contact is typically cut off, the site may stop working, and the promised services, of course, are not provided.

      How to protect yourself?

      All victims of fraud should contact only official bodies: the nearest police station or directly the MVD Department for Zainsk District. Recovering funds is a complex procedure that requires real investigative actions, not payment for “services” to dubious individuals.

      Verify information. If you are looking for a lawyer, make sure the company or specialist exists in reality. Check their contact details, office address, information in the bar association registry or on the FNP website. Find reviews on independent platforms.

      Never transfer advance payments to strangers via unofficial details (to individuals’ cards, through anonymous payment systems).

      Be skeptical of overly loud promises. If you are guaranteed a 100% refund without being asked detailed questions about the situation, that is a sure sign of fraud.

      Dear residents of Zainsk! Be extremely vigilant online. Remember: scammers constantly improve their methods, playing on your desire to restore justice. Do not let them take advantage of your vulnerability a second time. If you have any doubts, you can always get a consultation via the MVD hotline or contact the economic crimes unit.

      Alexander Isakov

      More news about the event:

      The Ministry of Internal Affairs warns of a new type of fraud: fake lawyers hunt victims of scammers

      Their main argument is the promise to return stolen money or to bring the perpetrators to criminal responsibility. 16:36 08.01.2026 News of Zainsk - Zainsk

      The Ministry of Internal Affairs warns of a new type of fraud: fake lawyers hunt victims of scammers

      Their main argument is the promise to return stolen money or to bring the perpetrators to criminal responsibility. 16:29 08.01.2026 Zainsk-Inform - Zainsk

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      Scammers mask phishing sites as legal services and deceive victims

      How not to fall for scammers’ tricks — experts’ advice

      Photo: Baltphoto

      New fraud schemes have appeared online. 14:58 07.01.2026 Peterburg2.Ru - Saint Petersburg

      Scammers create phishing sites under the guise of legal services

      Scammers are passing off phishing sites as legal services to extort money. 11:49 07.01.2026 Moika78.Ru - Saint Petersburg

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