Did the “rector”, “vice-rector”, “deputy minister”, or “FSB officer” call you? Don’t believe it — these are scammers!
Malefactors use messengers, social networks, and AI tools to generate voices or even videos in order to impersonate officials and demand money transfers.
Stay vigilant and pay attention to the following suspicious signs:
- someone from the university’s leadership, an embassy or any state representative you usually don’t communicate with, writes to you in a messenger;
- large sums of money are mentioned in the conversation, with an urgent request to transfer them to an unfamiliar account;
- the interlocutor asks you to keep the conversation secret.
What to do if scammers call you?
- do not transfer money to strangers;
- immediately report the call to your supervisor;
- if The Federal Security Service (FSB) officers or other law enforcement officers are mentioned during the conversation or in messages, inform the vice-rector for security or the rector’s office;
- block the suspicious account and phone number.
How to distinguish official messages from fakes?
- all important emails come from corporate addresses ending with @edu.misis.ru and @misis.ru;
- university representatives will never ask you to send personal data, login details or a password for your personal account;
- NUST MISIS doesn’t conduct Telegram Premium giveaways. If you receive a message from a “university representative” about a gifted subscription with a suspicious link, don’t click on it;
- never transfer money or click on suspicious links.
If anyone impersonates as a NUST MISIS employee or university leadership, make sure to report it to the vice-rector for security and general issues Igor Magomedovich Isaev via isa@misis.ru and to the Student Office via sto@misis.ru or by phone: +7 495 955-00- 23.
We strongly ask you not to give in to provocations and not to follow instructions from scammers. Never share personal data or send documents to suspicious individuals. If you receive a call from an unknown number and it feels suspicious, just hang up.
For more useful information, check out the NUST MISIS Telegram channel.
FAQ
First, we recommend installing apps that recognize spam calls. For example, you can use the Yandex’s Сaller ID or activate additional options through your mobile operator. Some services include automatic blocking of low-rated numbers and conversation transcription.
If you answer an unknown number and realize it’s a scammer, don’t engage and hang up immediately. Be sure to report the spam call to your mobile operator, mark the number as “spam” and block it.
If you get a message from an unknown number, never click on the links in it! This type of scam is commonly used by fraudsters. Report the spam to your mobile operator and block the number.
We also recommend being extra cautious with messengers. Scammers are increasingly pretending to be well-known figures, such as someone from university leadership or even Ministry of science and higher education representatives.
Recently, scammers have started to use a new scheme: impersonating NUST MISIS representatives on Telegram, claiming the user has been gifted Telegram Premium and offering a link to click. Be attentive and careful.
Mostly unwanted emails are automatically sent to the “Spam” folder. But if one ends up in your “Inbox,” don’t click any links or open attachments. Mark the message as “spam” and block the sender.
If you receive an email on your corporate account asking for your password and login for your personal account, block the sender immediately. Carefully check the sender’s domain: NUST MISIS corporate emails end with @edu.misis.ru and @misis.ru.
If you receive a message from a “university representative,” make sure to forward it to the Student Office (sto@misis.ru) and the vice-rector for security and general issues of NUST MISIS Igor Magomedovich Isaev (isa@misis.ru).
Fraudsters have increasingly been using deepfakes. Someone might call you from an unknown number, sounding upset, and describe an emergency, such as a car accident or detention.
First, hang up and call the person on their known number to verify the situation. If their phone is off, try contacting their colleagues, friends or family for confirmation. While it’s natural to worry about a loved one, if an unfamiliar person calls or writes asking you to send money — it’s a scam.
Remember, the main goal of scammers is to mislead you, create panic and intimidate you. They may contact you not only to steal money but also to encourage you to commit illegal actions.
First, end the conversation, block the number and report it to your mobile operator. Keep calm and don’t panic. Don’t take rash actions.
In any situation, remember you’re not alone. Always inform your close ones about the situation. If you’ve received threats, send a report to the vice-rector for security and general issues of NUST MISIS Igor Magomedovich Isaev (isa@misis.ru) and the Student Office at sto@misis.ru or by phone: +7 495 955-00- 23.
- don’t give your personal data to third parties;
- don’t share photos that clearly show the details of your documents: passport, driver’s license, etc.;
- don’t share SMS codes when interacting with banks, public services, mobile operators, etc.;
- don’t give your PIN code or banking card details to anyone;
- don’t transfer money to unfamiliar people due to an “incorrect” transfer;
- don’t click on suspicious links or download suspicious apps.
- set up two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible;
- use a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special characters in all passwords;
- regularly back up your data;
- use different passwords for different services;
- be selective about sharing your personal information and avoid oversharing on social media;
- make sure you have antivirus software installed;
- download programs and apps from trusted websites and stores only.
How to protect yourself and your loved ones against fraud?
Here are some useful tips that will help you recognize scammers and avoid falling for their tricks.
