Expert warns: Sending money via phone to strangers risks fraud and legal trouble
Legal expert Vadim Vinogradov has warned about the dangers of sending money via phone number to unknown individuals. Speaking to RT, he highlighted the risks of fraud, frozen accounts, and even unintended legal trouble for senders. His advice comes as digital payment scams continue to rise in Russia. Vinogradov, a member of Russia’s Public Chamber and dean of the Law Faculty at HSE University, stressed that transferring funds to strangers is highly unsafe. Without a prior agreement or receipt, recovering mistakenly sent money is nearly impossible.
Banks may also freeze a sender’s account if the recipient is linked to suspicious activity. Worse still, the recipient could appear on an extremist list, potentially implicating the sender in investigations. Vinogradov urged people to only transfer money to trusted contacts. For payments, he recommended using registered business accounts or those of self-employed entrepreneurs. This ensures a clear record of the transaction and reduces the risk of fraud. His warnings align with earlier advice from financial experts, including Boris, who also cautioned against sending money to unknown parties.
The risks of phone-based transfers include lost funds, frozen accounts, and legal complications. Vinogradov’s guidance underscores the importance of verifying recipients before sending money. Using official business channels remains the safest way to handle digital payments.
