The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) has reported a new fraud scheme amid the widespread launch of the digital ruble: scammers pose as bank employees and offer to 'sell' digital rubles at a 'favorable' rate, urging people to urgently convert their savings (according to the MVD).

Transfers to a 'special account', SMS codes, and handing cash to a courier

According to the scheme, victims are asked to transfer money to a 'special account' and provide an SMS code, or to hand cash to a courier for 'exchange.' The digital ruble does not have a separate exchange rate: 1 digital ruble equals 1 regular ruble.

Central Bank: No confirmed cases of fraud

The Central Bank stated that so far, there have been no confirmed cases of fraud involving the digital ruble.

Nearly 200,000 accounts in three weeks, 36 banks connected

As Elvira Nabiullina reported, Russians have opened nearly 200,000 digital ruble accounts in three weeks—exceeding the regulator's expectations. Currently, 36 banks are connected to the platform. In the future, the digital ruble will be usable offline; the tool is also expected to strengthen oversight of budget spending.