What to do if you have been a victim of fraud: step-by-step instructions

Fraud is one of the most common criminal offenses in Ukraine. It is defined in Article 190 of the Criminal Code and means the acquisition of another person’s property through deception or abuse of trust. Modern fraudsters operate in various ways: from selling non-existent goods online to financial fraud involving bank cards or even using personal connections to take possession of property.

The main rule in such cases is to act quickly. The sooner you notify law enforcement and record the crime, the more chances you have not only to punish the perpetrators, but also to recover the lost funds.

Gathering evidence

The first thing the victim needs to do is to record all the circumstances of the crime. It is important to save screenshots of correspondence in messengers or email, bank receipts, checks, account details, as well as any photos, videos, or recordings of telephone conversations with the fraudster. Even small details can be important during the investigation. If the crime took place in the presence of other people, it is also worth collecting the contact details of witnesses.

Report to the police

The next step is to contact the police. The statement must be made in writing and submitted to the nearest police station or the place where the crime was committed. It must specify when and where the events took place, the circumstances under which you were defrauded, the amount of money or property you lost, and any information you have about the alleged fraudster. In the request section, you should explicitly state your request to enter the information into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations and to initiate an investigation.

The police are required to accept the statement and register it in the unified accounting journal, and within 24 hours, enter the data into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations. After that, you should receive an extract from the register confirming the start of the pre-trial investigation. If law enforcement officials delay or refuse to accept the statement, you should file a complaint with the prosecutor’s office.

Actions with the bank

If the fraud involves money transfers, you should immediately notify your bank. Sometimes it is possible to block the perpetrator’s account or stop the transaction, which can help the police and reduce your losses.

Legal support

In complex cases involving large sums of money, real estate, or business, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a lawyer. A specialist will help you to draw up the documents correctly, monitor the progress of the investigation, avoid procedural errors, and represent your interests in court.

Control and follow-up actions

Once you have received a number in the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations, you have the right to monitor the progress of the investigation: whether expert examinations are being appointed, whether interrogations are being conducted, whether measures are being taken to identify suspects. If you believe that the case is being delayed, you should contact a lawyer to prepare complaints or motions.

In addition to criminal proceedings, a civil lawsuit for damages is an important tool. It allows you to claim compensation from the guilty party. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that in the event of the fraudster’s insolvency, even a positive court decision does not always guarantee the actual return of the money.

Publicity as protection

Do not keep the fact of fraud silent. Warnings on social networks or thematic forums not only help others avoid the trap, but can also attract the attention of law enforcement agencies. Notifying the administration of websites where the fraudster operated also complicates their further activities.

Fraud is a crime and cannot be ignored. The algorithm of actions for the victim is as follows: record evidence, file a report with the police, notify the bank, involve a lawyer if necessary, monitor the investigation, and, if possible, file a civil lawsuit. Even if the amount of damage is insignificant, it is important to record the fact of the offense, because each report helps to reduce the impunity of fraudsters and protect other people from similar schemes.