Russian authorities have warned citizens about a new fraud scheme involving fake mobile applications that claim to show the locations of petrol stations, according to TASS, citing materials from the Interior Ministry.
The ministry said the bogus apps can be found through search engines. When downloaded, they install malicious software that gives fraudsters remote access to the victim’s device, allowing them to steal personal data and money.
Given the growing popularity of the scheme, the Interior Ministry strongly recommended that users only install applications from official app stores.
The ministry also noted that since June, between 10 and 20 ready-made fuel-related websites have been appearing online each day. These sites can resemble services for checking fuel availability, booking a place in a queue, or scheduling a visit to a specific station. They are often targeted at particular regions, cities, or districts and are distributed through regional motorist communities, neighbourhood chats, residential complex groups, and local Telegram channels.
