The National Bank of Moldova published the transcript of an episode of its Sensul banilor financial education podcast featuring Governor Anca Dragu and Mihai Lupașcu, Director of the Cyber Security Agency, focused on the rise of financial fraud and cyber-enabled scam techniques. The episode carries a standard disclaimer that opinions expressed do not represent the National Bank of Moldova’s official position. Dragu cited 125 reported fraud cases in 2024 and 400 cases in the first 10 months of 2025, with reported losses increasing from MDL 4.5 million to MDL 20 million. She outlined the central bank’s focus on regulatory safeguards across the banking and non-bank financial sector, including requirements for payment processors, banks and OCNs to reduce fraud opportunities through stronger authentication controls and other protective measures, and stressed that the National Bank of Moldova does not call individuals to offer financial products or request personal information, warning about spoofed calls and deepfake content. Lupașcu emphasised that many scams exploit urgency and human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities, advised consumers not to install applications at anyone’s request and to verify contacts by calling institutions back directly, and argued for protection mechanisms that limit losses even when users make mistakes while avoiding overly restrictive controls that harm usability. The central bank encouraged victims to report cases to the police and referenced a cooperation protocol with the General Police Inspectorate in place since 2025 that enables regular information exchange at least quarterly, while noting that recovery rates are very low at under 1% of cases. Dragu also referred to a financial inclusion strategy expected to be voted and finalised in summer 2026, and Lupașcu indicated plans in 2026 to expand public awareness messaging and continuous cyber-risk training for public servants.
National Bank of Moldova 2026-04-02
National Bank of Moldova warns of financial fraud surge and reports losses rising to MDL 20 million in Sensul banilor podcast
The National Bank of Moldova published a financial education podcast transcript in which Governor Anca Dragu and the Cyber Security Agency director highlighted a sharp rise in financial fraud and losses, and outlined safeguards for banks, payment processors and non-bank credit organisations, including stronger authentication. They warned about spoofed calls, deepfakes and social engineering, urged victims to report cases to the police under an existing protocol, and noted very low recovery rates. Dragu also referenced a forthcoming financial inclusion strategy, while Lupașcu signalled plans to expand public awareness campaigns and cyber-risk training for public servants in 2026.