Fraudsters lured a woman out of 145,000 hryvnias, promising equipment and money

A local resident turned to Ternopil human rights activists after becoming a victim of scammers and losing 145,000 hryvnias. It all started with a message on a social network, where unknown persons introduced themselves as employees of a foreign organization and promised the woman to receive a parcel with equipment and money.

The offer interested the Ternopil woman, but the «gifts» did not end there. The accomplices reported that to receive the transfer it was necessary to pay a duty. The applicant undoubtedly transferred 35,000 hryvnias. Then when it turned out that this amount was not enough, the scammers demanded another 110,000 hryvnias. The victim agreed and sent the money. Only after the criminals asked for more money did the woman realize that she had fallen for the scammers' trick and turned to the police for help.

Investigators of the Ternopil District Police Department uncovered criminal proceedings under Article 190 (fraud) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Operational and investigative measures are underway to identify the scammers.

Scammers never stop coming up with new methods to steal other people's money. Sometimes it's really easy to recognize a scam, but you should be alerted by the demand to pay money for parcels, gifts or other property. Never give money to unknown persons! Remember that legitimate organizations will never ask you to pay customs duties or other fees for the parcel in advance. If you receive a suspicious message, do not respond to it.

If you have been a victim of fraud, call the hotline 102. For prompt assistance from the Cyber ​​Police Department of the National Police of Ukraine, call 0 (800)50-51-70.