In Belarus, an increasing number of cases of elder fraud are being recorded — this trend is noted in the Telegram channel of the Grodno City Council's Committee on Labor, Employment and Social Protection. The agency cites the recent pension increases as one of the reasons for the rise.

How to spot a scammer

Social protection officials emphasize that they never contact citizens via Viber, WhatsApp, or Telegram. All pension increases are calculated automatically, and there is no need to apply for them.

If you are asked to schedule an appointment with a “social protection officer” and to provide your personal passport number, that is a scam. Under no circumstances should you disclose your passport details, added the social services.

What is known about the pension increases

Since the beginning of this month, the minimum payments — both labor and social — have risen.

Earlier, in September, the increase also affected other labor pensions: those based on age, years of service, disability, and those who lost a breadwinner.