Warning for network scams!

The embassy regularly receives telephone calls and e-mails from people who have been the victims of cyber-scams, where they are often asked to transfer money to someone in Russia. As a rule, this is a contact that has been initiated on various social networks and that may have lasted for several months, sometimes as long as six months. Common reasons given by cybercriminals for asking for help are:

• The person states that he has been granted a visa by the Swedish embassy, but now needs to show that he/she has enough money to travel into Sweden or to travel out of Russia
• The person can not leave Russia until he/she shows a certain amount of bank funds or has paid a fine / their bank loans
  
• The person has been arrested and needs help with the bail
• The visa fee is a high amount that does not match current fees
• The travel insurance at the embassy costs a certain amount

As soon as the money is transferred, the recipient often breaks the contact. The embassy warns against sending money to a newfound contact in Russia, especially if you have never met the person in question. It can sometimes be difficult to determine if the person has honest intentions or not. Then remember that:

• An application for a Schengen visa requires that the person you plan to visit in Sweden has filled in an invitation. Read more here about it here.
• Sponsorship/subsistence for the planned stay can be proven by e.g. bank statement/salary specification from both the applicant and the inviting referent in Sweden. The person in Russia does not need to have a certain amount on his personal account!
• You must show that you have the financial means before the embassy makes a decision on a visa, we never demand any documents afterwards
• For questions about exit rules for Russian citizens, we refer to Russian authorities
• The embassy only cooperates with VFS Global's visa centers. We do not take any responsibility for information provided by private travel agencies.
• When an application is made via VFS Global, you always receive a receipt with a reference number for the application. The status of the application can be checked on their website.
• The embassy does not provide PCR tests or travel insurance. PCR tests and travel insurance are taken out with private companies / insurance companies.
• The embassy can not confirm whether a passport document, ID document or other Russian documents are false or genuine
• The embassy can only provide information on whether a person has applied for or been granted a visa, if you have a power of attorney in the case.

The embassy has no opportunities to assist with these types of cases. If you think you are the victim of fraud, you should contact the Swedish police.