Russia’s Facebook Alternative Is Teaching Seniors How to Outsmart Scammers

Odnoklassniki and the Bank of Russia launch a digital literacy campaign aimed at protecting older users in an age of phishing and fraud.

In an age where digital scams are getting smarter, a surprising partnership is stepping up to protect one of the internet’s most vulnerable user groups — older adults. Russian social network Odnoklassniki, together with the Bank of Russia, has launched a new project called “Money Under Protection” (Деньги под защитой) to teach seniors how to safely navigate online banking, identify fraud, and protect their savings in an increasingly digital economy.

Targeted at users aged 45 and up — a group statistically more likely to fall victim to cyber scams due to a lack of digital fluency — the campaign delivers content directly where these users already are: Odnoklassniki, Russia’s second-largest social media platform and a favorite among older demographics.

Starting July 14, the official Bank of Russia group on Odnoklassniki will roll out a three-week program featuring nine bite-sized video lessons and easy-to-read info cards. The content covers everything from personal budgeting and choosing financial products to safe online shopping and spotting the red flags of fraudulent schemes.

The initiative continues a broader push by the central bank and Odnoklassniki to digitally onboard older generations and build resilience against cybercrime — not with fear, but with education. And in a country where many seniors are just beginning their online journeys, it could make a real difference.