Residents of Buryatia are increasingly taking advantage of a new feature on the Gosuslugi federal portal that enables them to impose self-bans on credit applications. Since its introduction on March 1, 2025, over 60,000 residents have utilized this option to help protect themselves against cyber fraud.
As reported by East Siberian Inform, the self-imposed credit ban has gained popularity due to its effectiveness in countering aggressive fraud tactics. By registering for a self-ban, users can prevent any credit institution from approving loans, as their information is sent directly to credit history bureaus. Significantly, even in instances of identity theft, users retain a fighting chance. If someone attempts to unban themselves after gaining unauthorized access to a user’s profile, a notification will be sent to the legitimate user’s phone, providing time to react.
The local authorities have prioritized awareness and education on this new protective measure. Police have conducted over a thousand outreach meetings across Buryatia, educating labor groups and communities about how to utilize the self-ban. According to Bair Zhigmitov, the head of the criminal search department at the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Ulan-Ude, these sessions have reached more than 42,000 people. The focus has largely been on protecting vulnerable populations, including the elderly and small business owners.
Law enforcement officials are optimistic about the impact of this initiative. “Our population is aware of fraud types, yet the self-imposed ban is still in high demand,” said Zhigmitov during a briefing on March 24, 2025. “This option gives users enough time to secure their accounts from potential attacks, and this measure to combat fraud is a crucial development in our strategy,” he added.
In Ulan-Ude alone, damages from cybercrimes have reached nearly 50 million rubles since the start of 2025. This figure may reflect a decline of 18 million rubles from the same period last year, but it remains substantial. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, many residents still find themselves victims of sophisticated schemes.
While the self-ban service has been a proactive step, police officials are keen to continue their educational campaigns. The upcoming distribution of pamphlets explaining how to effectively implement the self-ban will be a critical part of this ongoing outreach. The goal is to make this information widely available so that more residents can take advantage of these protections.
In Sevastopol, over 17,000 residents have also accessed the self-imposed credit ban, a feature introduced simultaneously on the Gosuslugi portal. This service similarly ensures that individuals cannot be issued credit without their consent. According to local government reports, the service has proven reliable for victims of identity theft, who can quickly secure their financial identities.
The director of the Department of Digital Development in Sevastopol, Tatyana Chernousova, emphasized that once set, the self-imposed ban can only be lifted by the user through a confirmation signature. “There are no random or incorrect self-bans,” explained Chernousova. All status changes are visible in the user’s cabinet on the Gosuslugi platform, eliminating confusion or potential error.
This surge in interest and enrollment also reflects nationwide trends. By March 24, 2025, approximately 7.2 million applications for credit self-bans had been recorded across Russia. This indicates a collective effort to combat financial fraud at the national level. The self-ban feature has attracted attention as an essential tool for individuals to safeguard against unauthorized loan agreements.
Nonetheless, the self-imposed ban is not without its limitations. While it effectively protects users from certain types of loans, it doesn’t apply to all forms of credit. For instance, secured loans, like mortgages or educational loans, are exempted from this restriction. Financial experts suggest that this framework strikes a practical balance, allowing essential borrowing while staving off unauthorized attempts at credit exploitation.
As residents continue to engage with this service, many express relief and gratitude for the resources put in place. Citizens like Anna, a single mother in Ulan-Ude, said, “Knowing that I can block any attempt at someone taking a loan in my name gives me peace of mind. I just want to protect my family and our finances.”
As the fight against financial fraud evolves, the self-imposed credit ban is just one of the tools gaining traction. With continued education and awareness campaigns, authorities hope to empower citizens to take charge of their financial security actively.
While the self-ban cannot guarantee complete immunity from scams, it offers a crucial layer of protection and serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks posed by cyber fraud. Staying informed and cautious is vital in this ever-adapting landscape of online threats.
