A content creator discusses the Pushkin card, a Russian government-issued card worth 5,000 rubles, intended for teenagers and students to spend on cultural events. However, many recipients try to cash out the funds, which is not allowed. The creator warns that scammers take advantage of this by offering fake cash-out services, often through social media platforms like TikTok and Telegram. These scammers promise to exchange the card for cash, but instead, they use the card details to buy expensive tickets to non-existent events or sell them to unsuspecting buyers. The creator explains that the scheme has been exposed, and authorities have closed many of these fictitious organizations. However, new ones continue to emerge. The creator advises against trying to cash out the Pushkin card and instead encourages using it for its intended purpose or donating the funds to a good cause.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Russian government provides a 5,000-ruble card to citizens aged 14-22 for cultural events, known as the Pushkin card.
2. The card can be used to pay for trips to cinemas, museums, master classes, concerts, and other cultural events.
3. The card can only be used for approved cultural events, not for personal gain or other purposes.
4. Scammers target schoolchildren and students, promising to cash out the card's balance for a percentage.
5. These scammers often use Telegram channels and YouTube videos to promote their services.
6. The scammers ask for the card details and then use the card to buy tickets to non-existent events or to sell tickets at a low price.
7. Law enforcement agencies have uncovered several schemes involving the Pushkin card, including one that resulted in 15 million rubles in damages.
8. In one case, a scammer created a fake theater and employed actors to pretend to perform, while selling tickets to the theater at a high price.
9. The authorities have closed many fictitious organizations involved in these schemes, but new ones continue to emerge.
10. Most people who offer to cash out the Pushkin card are scammers who know that schoolchildren and students will not report them to the authorities.
11. According to the law, a schoolchild who tries to cash out state money using gray schemes commits an economic crime.