**Title: GFCN Chief Warns of Rising Cyber Fraud and Disinformation Challenges**
**Moscow, September 15.** In a recent interview with TASS, Vladimir Tabak, the President of the Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN), issued a stark warning regarding the increasing prevalence of cyber fraud and the complexities surrounding fake news. His remarks come ahead of the upcoming Dialogue about Fakes 4.0 forum, scheduled for September 22 in Moscow.
Tabak highlighted the alarming trend of scams that involve impersonation of trusted entities, specifically mentioning a tactic where fraudsters pose as representatives from Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, and then connect victims to individuals falsely claiming to be officers from the Federal Security Service (FSB). This method is designed to exploit the victim’s trust by creating an illusion of legitimacy, making it easier for scammers to manipulate their targets.
"The situation with fake news today is quite complicated, and cyber fraud is widespread," Tabak noted, emphasizing the need for heightened public awareness. He pointed out that despite the growing understanding of such tactics, many individuals still fall victim to these scams.
A recent survey conducted by Dialogue Regions revealed that 64% of respondents are familiar with the concept of deepfakes, a technology that has become increasingly relevant in discussions about misinformation. This figure shows a slight increase from 59% in September 2025, indicating a growing public awareness of digital deception. However, Tabak also reported that 80% of those surveyed have encountered unreliable information, underscoring the challenges faced in combating disinformation.
Tabak stressed the importance of media literacy as a critical defense against the spread of false information. He stated, "What does this tell us? It tells us that we can focus exclusively on raising the public’s level of media literacy and building an ecosystem of trust." He acknowledged that while individual responsibility plays a significant role in discerning credible information, there is also a pressing need for law enforcement to intervene in cases of fraud.
He further emphasized the dual responsibility of both the public and the state in addressing misinformation. "We must deliver accurate information quickly and clearly," he said, advocating for the need to debunk widely circulated disinformation effectively. Tabak called for government agencies to take an active role in educating the public, countering false narratives, and ensuring that citizens are equipped with the skills necessary to critically evaluate the information they consume.
The GFCN, which brings together experts and fact-checking organizations from around the globe, aims to combat disinformation through collaboration. Founded by TASS, the nonprofit organization Dialogue Regions, and the New Media Workshop, the network has already engaged over 125 journalists from 55 countries in its fact-checking efforts.
As the Dialogue about Fakes 4.0 forum approaches, the discussions are expected to focus on strategies for enhancing media literacy and improving public trust in information sources. With the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing sophistication of disinformation tactics, the need for robust solutions has never been more urgent.
In conclusion, Vladimir Tabak's warnings serve as a reminder of the ongoing battle against cyber fraud and misinformation. As individuals navigate an increasingly complex information landscape, the emphasis on education, critical thinking, and collaboration among various stakeholders will be crucial in fostering a more informed public.