Russian Authorities and Sberbank Highlight Sophisticated Online Pyramid Schemes Using Cryptocurrency, Digital Ruble, and Social Media to Target Investors With Promised Guaranteed Returns

Russian authorities are reporting a surge in large-scale pyramid schemes posing as crypto and securities brokers. Unsuspecting investors are being lured with promises of high and “guaranteed” returns, with each reported scheme defrauding victims of up to 1 billion rubles on average.

Sberbank, the country’s largest financial institution, has highlighted this trend, noting that operators are increasingly masquerading as legitimate brokers offering crypto or traditional investment opportunities. Victims are often persuaded to invest their own savings, sometimes leveraging loans, before realizing they are part of a fraudulent scheme. Officials say this shift marks a more sophisticated evolution of the classic financial pyramid model, previously relying on direct loan inducements and offline recruitment.

Sophisticated Tactics and AI-Assisted Oversight

Law enforcement and bank security services have detected at least 38 active pyramid structures in the past year, coordinating closely to shut them down. Fraudsters are exploiting the rising interest in crypto, digital assets, and even digital rubles to mask illegitimate operations. Many of these schemes now rely on online platforms, social media outreach, and pseudo-trading apps to target a wide pool of victims.

Sberbank executives report that advanced technologies, including AI-driven algorithms, are being used to map suspect networks, trace funds, and anticipate fraudulent activity. These tools analyze large volumes of financial and transactional data, identifying patterns of deception and connections between actors in complex online investment scams.

Cryptocurrency and Digital Ruble as the Lure

Cryptocurrency remains the most common hook for these pseudo-brokers. In 2025 alone, the Central Bank of Russia flagged more than 1,000 entities promoting “fast and guaranteed” crypto returns. In addition, digital rubles, which are set for full-scale rollout later this year, are already being cited in fraudulent schemes. Experts say the adoption of crypto and central bank-backed digital currencies provides scammers with a high-tech avenue to mislead investors while complicating traceability.

BrokersView reminds Investors to remain vigilant when approached with unsolicited crypto or securities investment opportunities online. Verify platform registration, scrutinize promised returns, and avoid sending funds based solely on social media promotions or unsolicited messages.