A phone call lasting only a few minutes can lead to the loss of a lifetime’s savings. Behind every fraud attempt, there is a carefully built scenario, and understanding these mechanisms is the first step toward prevention. Rodica Jalba, Chief of the Risk Division at Microinvest, explains why financial fraud is becoming increasingly convincing, how we can recognize it and what essential steps we should take to protect our data and money.
Why is financial fraud becoming increasingly difficult to recognize?
Fraud is becoming more credible because the tools used by scammers have changed significantly. If in the past many cases were based, for example, on identity theft or forged documents, today we are dealing with much more complex and well-organized schemes, carefully staged scenarios supported by information technologies and AI tools. With their help, scammers can replicate messages, websites, applications or even a person’s identity much more easily, without advanced technical skills. That is why even careful or experienced people can fall into the trap.
What are the most common types of fraud encountered today?
Currently, one of the most widespread categories is fake investment fraud. These are platforms that promise quick earnings, cryptocurrency investments, “safe” financial opportunities or high profits in a short period of time. These schemes have grown significantly in recent years and are actively promoted, including on social media. Another common category is the impersonation of institutions. Scammers may present themselves as representatives of the National Bank of Moldova, the Police, courier companies or other public and private institutions. They create the impression that the situation is official and urgent, and that the person must act immediately.
There are also “relative in danger” scams, where the victim is told that a family member has had an accident or urgently needs money. Today, such schemes can even be supported by voices generated or imitated with the help of AI technologies. Equally common are phishing attempts through emails, messages or pop-ups with fake links, marketplace fraud involving fake buyers or sellers, as well as direct manipulation by phone or messaging apps, where the victim is guided into authorizing certain operations on their own.
How have fraud methods changed with the increasing use of online services?
First of all, the impact has turned into a mass phenomenon. If previously many fraud attempts were more targeted or individual, now they can be launched simultaneously toward a large number of people.
The online environment gives fraudsters quick access to information. People leave their data in many places: online stores, forms, discount cards, delivery platforms, CRM systems or applications. Sometimes this may be simple data, such as a name, surname, phone number or address, but it can be enough to make a call seem credible. When someone calls you and knows your name or certain details about you, your first instinct may be to trust them. However, the fact that the caller has a few correct details does not mean the call is real.
How can we check whether a message, call or offer really comes from a financial institution?
The basic rule is very simple: if someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for data, codes, access to a link or the installation of an application, do not continue the conversation. End the call and verify separately through an official channel. This means calling the number published on the institution’s website, checking the official application, contacting the call center or visiting an office. It is important that the verification is initiated by you, not guided by the person who contacted you.
The warning signs that should immediately put us on alert are urgency, pressure and the request to do something on the spot. For example: “there is a loan in your name,” “you must urgently provide a code,” “access this link to block the transaction” or “install this application so we can protect your account.”
What simple rules should every client follow to protect their data?
First of all, we should not provide personal data to unknown people. We should not send photos of our card, identity document or other documents through unsecured channels. We should not share OTP codes, passwords or access data, no matter how convincing the scenario may seem. We should not access unknown links or install applications at the request of someone who contacted us by phone, WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram or other messaging channels.
If there is any doubt, we should verify through the call center, on the official website or in an office. If a person is not sure what to do, it is better to discuss the situation with a family member, a friend or someone they trust before making a decision. In any situation where there is pressure to urgently transfer money, provide a code, share data or take immediate action, the safest step is to stop and verify. Fraud relies heavily on fear, haste and the feeling that you do not have time to think.
From Microinvest’s perspective, how are clients’ data and financial security protected?
At Microinvest, we practice responsible lending and have a strong anti-fraud culture, and prevention begins with employee training. Our teams are prepared to identify unusual situations and ask additional questions, to make sure that the client understands the operation they are carrying out and that the decision truly belongs to them. We are glad to see that these prevention measures bring concrete results: since the beginning of 2025, for online scam typologies alone, we have managed to prevent over 500 fraud cases. At the same time, we constantly carry out information activities for clients: materials with useful recommendations in the online environment, in offices, warning messages and direct discussions with clients about potential risks.
On the technical side, data security is supported by the IT and information security teams, who work to protect Microinvest’s infrastructure, the company’s data and clients’ information. All these measures have the same purpose: to prevent risks, protect clients and maintain a relationship based on safety and trust.
