Online Fraud Activity in Russia Fell by 10% in 2025

Reducing the Risk of Financial Loss

This downward trend serves as a key indicator of the effectiveness of national-level cybersecurity measures and contributes to growing user trust in digital services. Lower criminal activity strengthens personal security for citizens and significantly reduces the overall economic damage caused by fraud schemes nationwide.

For end users, the shift translates into lower risks of financial loss and better protection against phishing through government platforms. At the state level, the success of these initiatives improves confidence in digital public services while easing pressure on law enforcement agencies and financial institutions. While the results represent a localized achievement in the context of a global cyberfraud problem, they confirm the effectiveness of Russia’s chosen strategy for countering digital threats.

A Valuable Case Study

Russia’s domestically focused approach to combating fraud may serve as a useful case study for other countries, even if its export potential remains limited. Further development is expected to include additional legislative initiatives, broader use of biometrics in public services, expanded AI capabilities within the Antifrod platform, and selective international cooperation.

At the same time, the strategy faces clear risks and challenges. Fraudsters continue to adapt rapidly, developing new schemes such as phishing campaigns disguised as traffic fines or attempts to steal access codes for Gosuslugi accounts. In addition, tighter state oversight in digital security sometimes draws criticism both domestically and from foreign media, which frame such measures as potential constraints on digital freedoms.

The first package of anti-fraud initiatives included more than 30 measures, and they have already produced tangible results. More than 20 million citizens have used the option to set a self-ban on taking out loans. Since August 2025, over 13 million fraudulent SMS messages containing fake access codes for the Gosuslugi portal have been blocked. Under the new rules, such codes are not delivered during phone calls. In 2026, biometric technologies will be deployed more actively in the transport sector. Testing is already underway for the Migom services, which enable fast, barrier-free boarding for trains and airplanes. A remote identity verification service for online exams is also being prepared for launch. From March 1, 2026, biometrics will be used as an additional form of identification when issuing microloans

Dmitry Grigorenko

Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Head of the Government Executive Office

The Evolution of Cyber Fraud Defense

From January 2022 to March 2023, the number of SMS-based attacks impersonating banks and online marketplaces targeting Russian users tripled, according to Servicepipe. On average, around 500,000 bot-driven SMS requests were recorded daily, up from no more than 150,000 a year earlier. From late spring 2022 onward, attackers increasingly shifted their activity to messaging apps.

In 2024, experts reported growth across all major categories of cyber threats. According to analysts at the Digital Forensics Laboratory of F.A.C.C.T., ransomware attacks increased by 44% year over year. The number of phishing and scam resources also rose, along with fake VPN services. Total damage from cyber fraud in 2024 increased by 36%, reaching 200 billion rubles (approximately $2.4 billion).

That same year saw a significant escalation of anti-fraud measures. A law requiring the return of stolen funds was introduced, obligating banks to reimburse victims within 30 days of a customer’s complaint starting July 25, 2024. Authorities also expanded the list of indicators used to flag fraudulent transactions and began developing a broader anti-fraud legislative package. The package includes around 30 measures, such as restrictions on issuing online loans and blocking fraudulent SMS messages. Another step was the rollout of anti-fraud systems to block suspicious transfers and filter calls and messages from spoofed numbers.

In October 2025, officials announced the creation of a database of digital traces left by cyber fraudsters. The system is designed to identify repeat offenders, shut down fraudulent call centers, freeze illicit revenue streams, and prevent crimes before they occur. Platform participants will be able to exchange information in real time and alert each other to newly identified schemes. These state measures are gradually contributing to a reduction in fraud cases.

Strengthening Security Infrastructure

The 10% reduction in online fraud cases underscores the effectiveness of Russia’s cybersecurity strategy. The result reflects a combination of legislative action and practical self-protection tools, including credit self-ban mechanisms, blocking systems, and streamlined complaint services that give citizens direct control over their digital security.

Between 2026 and 2028, further declines in cybercrime are expected as AI-driven analytics are integrated more deeply into the Antifrod platform and biometric protection becomes more widely deployed. While the national security infrastructure is set to strengthen steadily, key challenges will remain, including the adaptability of fraud schemes and the emergence of new threats such as advanced social engineering, deepfakes, and crypto-extortion.