With the beginning of the winter programs of state support for citizens, fraudsters intensified their activities again. Under the guise of the "Winter Support" initiative, which promises 1,000 hryvnia payments, they create fake websites, stealing personal data and money of Ukrainians.
How the scheme works
Criminals use phishing sites that imitate official state resources. The main stages of the scam:
- Spreading links : Fraudsters send messages via instant messengers or social networks, offering quick money via a link.
- Data collection : The fake site asks the user for bank details, including PINs and CVVs.
- Theft of funds : after entering the data, the fraudsters gain access to the victim's account and debit the money.
A 49-year-old resident of Storozhynets, Chernivtsi region, became a victim of this scheme. She entered her card details on a fake website, after which 98,960 hryvnias were stolen from her account. The woman turned to the police, who opened a criminal case under the article "Fraud".
How to protect yourself?
The police strongly recommend:
- Do not follow suspicious links , especially from unknown sources.
- Do not enter sensitive information on suspicious sites. Protect your bank details.
- Check information about payments on official websites or in the "Action" application.
- Use antivirus programs that help warn about dangerous resources.
What to do if you have been scammed?
- Contact your bank immediately to block the card and transactions.
- Notify the police, providing all possible evidence (screenshots, correspondence).
- Contact the cyber police who specialize in internet crimes.
State support must be provided through verified sources, and all information about such programs is available only on official websites or in the "Action" application.
Avoid the traps of fraudsters, keep your data safe and do not succumb to provocations, even if the offer seems attractive.
