Publication date: 02.06.2024
Lawyer with 15 years of legal experience, specialization: family and civil law, inheritance, contract law, criminal cases, administrative cases, cases involving foreigners, migration law
Social media fraud is one of the fastest growing forms of cybercrime. With the development of digital technologies and the growing popularity of social platforms, criminals are using more and more sophisticated methods to deceive users. In this article, we will look at the latest trends in social media fraud, as well as the legal mechanisms for combating this phenomenon in Ukraine.
The latest trends in social media fraud
- Phishing and identity theft: Criminals use phishing to gain access to users' personal data. They create fake pages or send messages on behalf of popular services that require the entry of confidential information.
- Fake accounts and pages: Fraudsters create fake accounts of famous people or companies to deceive users. They may offer fake promotions, prize draws, or other tempting offers to obtain money or data.
- Mass mailing of fraudulent messages: Using automated tools, criminals send out mass messages with malicious links or false claims of winnings that aim to lure money from users.
- Investment and cryptocurrency fraud: Criminals offer lucrative investment opportunities or quick money in cryptocurrencies using fake pages and fake reviews. After receiving the money, they disappear without a trace.
- Social engineering: Using social engineering techniques, fraudsters manipulate people to obtain confidential information or access their accounts. This may include impersonating friends or work colleagues.
Legal mechanisms to counteract
Ukrainian law provides for a number of legal mechanisms to combat social media fraud. The main regulatory act governing these issues is the Criminal Code of Ukraine, in particular Article 190, which provides for liability for fraud.
- Article 190 of the CCU: Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine provides for the punishment of fraud in various forms. Depending on the severity of the offence, the penalties can range from a fine to long-term imprisonment.
- Cyber police: Ukraine has a Cyber Police Department that investigates crimes in the field of information technology, including fraud on social media. They use modern technical means and methods to identify and detain cybercriminals.
- Cooperation with international organisations: Ukraine cooperates with international organisations, such as Interpol and Europol, to fight transnational fraud. This allows for the exchange of information and coordination of joint operations.
- Educational programmes and public awareness: An important aspect of countering fraud is to inform the public about the latest fraudsters' methods and ways to protect themselves. We run educational programmes and publish materials in the media and social media to raise awareness.
If you have become a victim of social media fraud or need professional legal assistance, contact the criminal lawyers at Consultant.net.ua. Our specialists, in particular the Fraud Lawyer under Article 190 of the Criminal Code, will provide you with qualified support in the fight against fraud. A fraud lawyer will help you at all stages of the case, from collecting evidence to representation in court. If you need an experienced lawyer under Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, please contact us for quality legal assistance. Lawyer for Fraud under Article 190 of the Criminal Code
Conclusion
Fraud on social media is a serious threat that requires effective legal mechanisms and active counteraction from law enforcement agencies and society. Public awareness, modern investigation technologies and international cooperation are key elements in the fight against this type of crime. Criminal lawyers play an important role in protecting the rights of victims and bringing perpetrators to justice, which contributes to ensuring justice and security in the digital world.
