Two Russian Girls Needed Travel Money So They Decided To Catfish ISIS

In what is arguably the weirdest (and most potentially dangerous) case of Catfishing we’ve ever seen, three girls from Chechnya, Russia, are under investigation for fraud after using social media to try and scam money out of some Islamic State recruiters.

The girls were allegedly approached by ISIS members online and were asked to join them. Rather than being terrified and reporting them, the ladies decided this would be a great opportunity to swindle some cash from the recruiters, telling them they’d need money to be able to get over to Syria to join them.

ISIS sent over more than $3000, only to be met with total silence from their new Russian contacts. Yup, the girls received the money and then did a disappearing act so efficient that even Nev and Max would be impressed.

This might sound like a smooth operation, but not only is it totally illegal, it was also incredibly risky. Chechen police officer Valery Zolotaryov spoke to a local paper, and warned against trying to recreate the stunt: I don’t advise anyone to communicate with dangerous criminals, especially for grabbing quick money”.