Criminals create fake profiles to defraud families of prisoners of war: new scheme

In Ukraine, cases of fraud targeting family members of prisoners of war and missing persons under special circumstances have become more frequent.

This is reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the Telegram of the Ombudsman of Ukraine Dmytro Lubinets.

Criminals create fake accounts on social networks, posing as released prisoners of war or servicemen who allegedly have information about the missing.

How scammers are at work

• Fake accounts: On social networks, attackers create profiles posing as released military personnel. They promise to provide information about those they allegedly “saw” or “know”. After that, they demand money for services or to support non-existent “search groups”.

• Thematic Telegram channels: In messengers, scammers organize groups to which they invite relatives of prisoners of war. These channels solicit personal data that can be used for further fraud.

Where to contact

If you suspect fraud, report it to law enforcement agencies and avoid any contact with fraudsters. Reliable sources of information are official structures dealing with issues of prisoners of war and missing persons.