The Central Bank of Russia published its review of reporting on information security incidents related to funds transfers, showing that banks prevented nearly 16.8 million fraudulent transactions in January to March 2026 and stopped attempted theft of RUB 1.8 trillion. Clients reported 495,800 fraudulent transactions to banks, while actual stolen funds totaled RUB 7.4 billion. Individuals’ financial losses were 10.2% lower than in the fourth quarter of 2025. The review also highlights a high number of malware attacks on legal entities in the first quarter of 2026. In most cases, employees received emails that tricked them into downloading files, giving attackers remote access to corporate systems and enabling transfers disguised as normal business transactions. Over the same period, the Central Bank of Russia initiated the blocking of 10,500 fraudulent websites and social media pages and sent telecom operators information on 8,300 phone numbers used by fraudsters.
Central Bank of Russia 2026-05-14
Central Bank of Russia reports banks prevented 16.8 million fraudulent transactions and RUB 1.8 trillion in attempted theft in the first quarter of 2026
The Central Bank of Russia reported that banks prevented nearly 16.8 million fraudulent transactions in the first quarter of 2026, stopping attempted theft of RUB 1.8 trillion, while clients reported 495,800 fraudulent transactions and actual losses totaled RUB 7.4 billion, 10.2% lower than in the previous quarter. The review notes malware attacks on legal entities via deceptive emails enabling remote access and disguised transfers. Over the same period, the Central Bank initiated the blocking of 10,500 fraudulent websites and social media pages and shared details of 8,300 fraud-related phone numbers with telecom operators.