MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. The number of fraud cases in Russia has increased significantly, including due to the illegal circulation of personal data of citizens, said Russian President Vladimir Putin during the annual Direct Line on Wednesday.

"Unfortunately, the growth of crimes of this kind is significant. If our situation in the fight against such serious socially dangerous criminal acts is generally satisfactory, there is even a slight decrease, then, unfortunately, the growth is significant - 25% for crimes in this area," President Putin said.

According to him, the first thing that creates an unfavorable background and contributes to the growth of crimes of this kind is the illegal circulation of personal data. "The state, of course, and the law enforcement agencies must work in this direction in the most serious way," Putin added.

An elderly resident of Krasnoyarsk asked the question of impunity for telephone scammers. She said that people pose as employees of a bank or other organizations and take away the last money of Russian citizens, and when they are exposed, they send messages with threats.

In response, the President has harsh words about these cases. "You know, I don't even want to comment. These are just scum - those people, who commit crimes against the elderly, veterans. Just scum. And, of course, this must be dealt with," President Putin said.