When buying goods in online stores, do not agree to full or partial prepayment – usually after receiving the money, the “seller” disappears, and the buyer does not receive either the goods or a refund.
In just one day, two cases of fraud during online purchases were registered with the police of the Lviv region.
Thus, a 51-year-old resident of Stryi district contacted the police and reported that an unknown person illegally took possession of the applicant’s money in the amount of 14 thousand hryvnias under the pretext of selling tools.
A 27-year-old woman from Lviv also suffered from the fraudulent actions of online fraudsters. An unknown person under the pretext of selling a chair took possession of her cash in the amount of 16 thousand hryvnias.
According to all the facts, the investigators of the territorial units of the police opened criminal proceedings under Article 190 (Fraud) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The maximum punishment stipulated by the sanction of the article is imprisonment for a term of up to 12 years with confiscation of property.
Pre-trial investigations are ongoing.
In order not to become a victim of online fraud, the police of the Lviv region warn:
– under no circumstances give your personal data, bank card number and expiration date, PIN code, CVV2/CVC2 codes, Internet banking passwords, code word or other information to third parties
– do not be tempted by low prices – online fraudsters often lure buyers to a non-existent product in this way;
– do not agree to a full or partial advance payment – usually after receiving the money, the “seller” disappears, and the buyer does not receive either the goods or the return of the advance payment;
– for purchases on the Internet, it is better to use verified online sites, the administrators of which can guarantee you a refund in case the product is not sent or it is of inadequate quality;
– if you buy on the Internet, choose the option to pay for the product after receiving it and inspecting it;
– before buying, check the site from which you are going to purchase the product – contact details, accounts for money transfer, information about the owner or seller, type of economic activity, etc. are indicated in official online stores;
– do not follow dubious links sent to e-mails, messengers or in the form of SMS messages – they can lead you to fake sites, where the bank card details provided by you give fraudsters access to your account;
– regularly check transactions on your accounts;
– never make payments from other people’s devices.
In case you have become a victim of online fraudsters, contact the police immediately on the line. 102.
Don’t be fooled!
Communications Department of the Lviv Oblast Police