Moldova's National Commission for Financial Markets issued a public warning about a fraud scheme in which criminals contact individuals through messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Viber, impersonate mobile network operators, and then obtain remote control of the victim’s phone to access banking services. The scam uses scenarios such as urgent “service optimisation”, emergency technical support, or mandatory security checks to pressure victims into installing a purported support or security application that actually enables remote access. Once control is gained, fraudsters can access banking apps, saved passwords, SMS or email messages used for one-time passcodes, and personal data, enabling unauthorised transactions and the draining of available balances. The Commission advised the public not to install remote-control apps at anyone’s request, to end such calls or chats immediately, to verify requests using official phone numbers from operators’ or banks’ websites, and never to share passwords, PINs or OTPs; if compromise is suspected, it recommended removing the SIM card, checking bank balances, and notifying the bank and police as appropriate.
National Commission for Financial Markets 2025-11-17
Moldova's National Commission for Financial Markets warns of messaging app scams that seize remote control of phones and enable unauthorised banking transactions
Moldova's National Commission for Financial Markets warns of a fraud scheme where criminals impersonate mobile network operators via messaging apps to control victims' phones and access banking services. The scam tricks individuals into installing fake support apps, allowing fraudsters access to banking apps and personal data. The Commission advises against installing remote-control apps, sharing sensitive information, and recommends verifying requests through official channels.