“Interior Ministry fine” for browsing websites: Ukrainians warned of a new scam

A new online fraud scheme is spreading in Ukraine, with criminals using it to try to obtain users’ money and personal data. While someone is browsing websites, a message may suddenly appear on the screen, supposedly from the Interior Ministry, reporting a recorded violation and the need to pay a “fine” urgently.

The fraudsters rely above all on psychological pressure. The user may be accused of viewing prohibited content and threatened with having their device blocked or with other legal consequences. To “close the case”, they are asked to transfer a certain amount straight away or to follow a link and enter their personal or bank details.

In reality, state authorities do not impose fines in this way. A pop-up window on a website is not an official decision or any other procedural document, and a demand to transfer money immediately to payment details shown on a third-party page should be a warning sign of possible fraud.

Such websites may also be used for phishing – obtaining bank card details, logins, passwords and other confidential information. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned that phishing pages are often disguised as the official websites of government institutions, banks and other organisations.

If you see a message like this, you should not follow the links provided, enter personal or payment details or make a transfer. Information about possible fines and other legal obligations should be checked only through official government resources.

If you have any questions or need legal advice or professional legal assistance, contact the lawyers of the Strategic Advocacy Bar Association.