How to Protect Your Money: 5 Scams Targeting Entrepreneurs in 2026

Fraud schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Criminals now use not only psychological pressure, but also biometric data, fake apps, and legitimate business tools.

Here are the main fraud schemes to watch out for in 2026.

1. Calls from “government agencies” and facial data theft

Fraudsters call pretending to be representatives of the National Bank, the State Committee for National Security, or mobile operators.

Under the guise of verifying your information, they ask you to provide a code received via SMS.

They then immediately initiate a video call to capture an image of your face. With both the access code and a recording of your face, criminals can log in to your banking apps and withdraw funds from your accounts.

Important: Government agencies never ask for verification codes sent by SMS or conduct identity verification through messaging apps or websites.

2. Phishing disguised as a payment or delivery service

When buying or selling goods online, you may receive a link supposedly required to complete the transaction. The website may closely imitate the interface of a bank or payment system, such as Zolotaya Korona.

As soon as you enter your username and password or complete photo verification, your data is immediately sent to the fraudsters, giving them access to your accounts.

The safest option is to carry out all transactions exclusively through the bank’s official app and avoid clicking external links.

3. Prepayment for goods that do not exist

This is a classic scam involving an unusually low price. You are offered equipment or goods on highly favourable terms—sometimes even free of charge—but are asked to transfer an advance payment to a bank account.

Once the payment is made, the seller disappears. To protect your money, always verify the reliability of your counterparty and avoid working with suppliers who do not have a proven reputation.

4. Malicious software disguised as a “tender app”

You may be asked to install a special app supposedly required to participate in procurement processes or tenders, or to complete a quick registration.

Such apps can gain full control of your smartphone. They may intercept SMS messages containing passwords and allow criminals to make payments remotely.

Remember: business software should only be downloaded from official app stores, such as the App Store or Google Play — not through links sent via messaging apps.

5. Fraud involving M+

Fraudsters recruit intermediaries for “remote work,” offering to help them register as sole proprietors and connect to the M+ service.

The scheme works as follows:

• A popular product is advertised through your business at a heavily discounted price;
• A buyer pays for the order;
• You are instructed to transfer the proceeds to third-party accounts, supposedly to cover logistics or the purchase of goods;
• The buyer never receives the goods, while you become involved in a criminal scheme and bear full responsibility for the missing funds.

Important: If you do not personally control the goods and are instructed to transfer the proceeds to someone else’s cards or accounts, your business may be used for money laundering.

Your security depends on your vigilance. If you suspect that your account has been compromised or that you have encountered fraud, immediately contact the support team at 9933.

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