Cybercriminals use numerous methods to lure their victims, including creating fake websites, social media and email addresses, or impersonating bank and tech support workers. If you have fallen victim to scammers, we will provide a step-by-step action plan and recommendations to resolve the issue.
What are the most common types of Internet fraud
Here are some of the most common types of Internet scams:
- Fraudsters often use social media to gain access to victims' accounts and then send messages to their friends asking for financial help. They mostly try to contact close relatives who are the most vulnerable.
- Another popular method is to create fake websites to buy products on platforms like OLX. These sites look like official pages, but have minor differences in design or URL.
- Scammers can also send fake messages about raffles or lotteries, ask for personal bank details under the guise of winning or fundraising. During martial law, fraudsters use the situation for manipulation, taking advantage of people's kindness and trustworthiness.
What to do and where to turn if you have become a victim of fraudsters
If you have become a victim of an internet scam, follow these steps:
- Stop all communication with the scammer.
- Block your bank card through your bank if you have provided your bank details and noticed suspicious transactions.
- Ask the bank for debit receipts and collect all available evidence of fraud.
- Contact the site administration or technical support of the social network or buying and selling platform, report the loss of access to the account and inform about the fraudster.
- Report fraud to the police. If the fraudster is criminally liable, you can also file a civil lawsuit for damages.
To avoid fraud, check the legitimacy of websites and online stores, do not give your bank details to third parties, do not log into your accounts from unfamiliar devices and use two-factor authentication to protect your pages.
Rules for Internet security
The types of Internet scams listed above are the most common, but not the only ones. Every day new methods of deception appear on the Internet. To avoid the traps of fraudsters, follow these rules during online transactions:
- Do not enter your personal data on unverified sites.
- Do not provide information about the expiration date of the bank card and CVV code.
- Check hyperlinks and site content for compliance with official company data.
- Do not make any payments on disputed emails or messages until you have clarified the situation.
- Do not prepay in unverified online stores.
- Avoid unverified job ads that promise quick money for a deposit.
Current questions - answers
Questions
What should I do if I have become a victim of Internet scammers?
Answer
If you have become a victim of Internet fraudsters, you should immediately stop all communication with the fraudster, block your bank card by contacting the bank, collect all evidence of fraud, report the incident to the administration of the relevant site or platform, and contact the police.
Questions
How do I know if my account has been hacked?
Answer
If you notice unusual activity in your account, such as unfamiliar messages, changes in settings, or suspicious transactions, this may be a sign of a hack. Change passwords and report the problem to the administration of the corresponding service.
Questions
What documents are needed to file a police report?
Answer
To file a police report, you will need evidence of fraud, such as screenshots of messages, receipts of financial transactions, correspondence with the fraudster, and information about any accounts and bank cards that may have been compromised.
The role of a lawyer in cases related to Internet fraud
An Internet fraud attorney plays a key role by providing advice and legal assistance, gathering and organizing evidence, liaising with law enforcement, representing the client in court and assisting in obtaining compensation for damages. It also protects the client's rights, provides advice on how to prevent fraud in the future and can negotiate with fraudsters to resolve the situation. It is important that a lawyer not only helps to investigate cases of fraud, but also protects the client's interests at all stages of the process.
Cooperation with legal marketplace "Konsultan"
Lawyers of the legal marketplace "Consultan" will help you in cases where criminals hacked your site, got passwords (including from an electronic wallet with bitcoins), information about accounts, etc. Sign up for a consultation and find out the exact price of a lawyer's support in a fraud case - fill out the form below!
Internet fraud is a real threat to modern society. Criminals are constantly developing new fraud schemes, taking advantage of people's gullibility and their ignorance of the ins and outs of cyber security. To protect yourself from fraudsters, you need to be vigilant and careful when conducting online transactions. Remember that no information should be given to third parties without additional verification. If you have already become a victim of fraudsters, do not delay in seeking help. The sooner you take action, the more likely you are to recover lost funds or regain access to your accounts. Contact the bank, law enforcement agencies and the administration of the relevant services. We also recommend consulting a lawyer. A specialist will help you collect all the necessary evidence, file a statement with law enforcement agencies and defend your rights in court.
