How to Spot a Fake Government Bot Before You Get Scammed

Scammers are flooding messaging apps with fake bots that pose as official government services, tricking users into paying fees or handing over sensitive data. According to data protection expert Valery Zykin, these counterfeit bots copy official logos and communication styles to create a convincing illusion of legitimacy. But there’s a simple rule to remember: real government agencies never ask for payment inside a messenger app, nor do they request your SMS code, card number, CVV, or password.

Zykin, speaking to RIA Novosti, explained that these fraudulent bots rely on automation to target thousands of victims at once, making the scheme both cheap and widespread. They demand payment for services or ask for card details, then disappear. To tell a real bot from a fake, he advises checking the account’s creation date and post history—a newly created channel with no track record is a red flag. Also look at subscriber count, check for genuine comments, verify the official verification badge, and scrutinize the name letter by letter, since scammers often swap in lookalike symbols.

The safest way to find a real government bot is to get the link directly from the official agency’s website. Real agencies only accept payments through their own sites or state systems. Zykin warns that pressure tactics, shortened links, and promises of “fast and cheap” service are almost always signs of a scam. If you’ve already sent money, he urges you to immediately block your card, take screenshots of the conversation, and file a police report.