Advice from a lawyer. How to protect yourself from the possible negative consequences of communicating with an unscrupulous partner?

The article was prepared under the authorship of Roman Barabash, a lawyer of the public reception of the public organization "MART" (Chernihiv).

It's not a shame to admit it, but any of us can become a victim of an unscrupulous partner. There are no 100% guarantees that this will not happen to you.

It is characteristic that recently there has been an increase in cases of fraud, from which the least protected and most vulnerable segments of the population suffer - pensioners, persons with disabilities. Among them are victims of war and recipients of international humanitarian aid.

To prevent the occurrence of possible negative consequences and to counter fraudsters, we advise everyone to follow the following simple tips:

1. In no case do not share information about your bank accounts, passport or other personal data with any third parties;

2. Preliminary agreements, such as: order and conditions of performance of work, provision of services or delivery of goods, must be recorded in writing (conclude a relevant contract);

3. Be sure to make sure that the product or service that you intend to purchase is available or that the terms of its delivery (provision) suit you completely, and the supplier (seller) of such a product/service is its legal owner/provider;

4. Avoid any cash settlements, deposits and advance payments (advance payment) for goods (works, services) that will be provided to you later (this event may not occur at all!). The terms of delivery of goods (works, services) must be clearly specified in the contract. Make payment only if you actually receive the goods (works, services) you ordered. 

If you cannot do without advance payment, be sure to ask your supplier (seller) for a document confirming the receipt of funds (receipt, fiscal check, goods receipt, settlement receipt, invoice or deed, which must contain: the name of the document; date and place of the transaction: purchase and sale, provision of services and their name, units of measurement (pieces, liters/kg, etc.); personal signature and/or other data enabling the identification of the person providing such a document );

5. Before paying money for the performance of work, the provision of services or the delivery of goods, make sure that it is these works (services, goods) that you intended to purchase, and that you are completely satisfied with their quality (assortment, quantity).

Also, in order to be sure of the correctness of your actions, we advise you to seek advice (consultation) from your lawyer or another specialist whom you are ready to trust and who is an expert in the matter for which you are applying and/or need professional help (advice).