The other day, the Kherson Region Police reported another case of fraud, the victim of which was a 53-year-old resident of Kherson. The woman lost her savings due to unscrupulous individuals who presented themselves as employers.
It all started with an ad on a social network offering online work. Interested in the possibility of additional earnings, the woman contacted the ad's author. In a telephone conversation, the pseudo-employer said that in order to work, she needed to take special courses, which were paid. Unsuspecting, the woman transferred 30 thousand hryvnias for training. After receiving the funds, the fraudster stopped contacting her, and the money was never returned.
In light of the incident, police officers initiated criminal proceedings under Art. 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — «Scam».
Investigators are currently investigating this incident, but the return of the money to the victim remains in question.
How to protect yourself from scammers:
- Check the information about the employer. Before contacting or sending money, look for reviews about the company or person online. Reliable employers always have an official website or social media pages with real reviews.
- Do not send money to strangers. No legitimate company will require prepayment for training or other services related to employment.
- Check documents. Check with a potential employer for official company documents, licenses, and other confirmations of legal activity.
- Beware of overly favorable offers. If the vacancy promises high earnings without special requirements, this can be a trap for gullible people.
- Do not rush to make decisions. Scammers often try to create an impression of urgency so that you do not have time to weigh all the «pros» and «cons».
- Consult with family or friends. Before making important decisions, discuss the situation with your loved ones. They may notice something you didn't.
- Report suspicious ads. If you find a questionable vacancy, report it to the social network administration or law enforcement agencies.
Remember: caution and attentiveness are your best allies in the fight against scammers. Don't give them a chance to take advantage of your trust and financial vulnerability.