What is fraud and what are its types?

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Fraud is

The definition can be interpreted in different ways, but it is invariably based on deception and abuse of trust. Accordingly, fraud is false information, concealed circumstances, or distortion of reality for the sake of profit. Participants in the crime:

  • recipient - a victim or victim;
  • inducer - a fraudster.

In 2024 alone, more than 65,000 criminal proceedings were opened. In 2023, this figure peaked at 82,600, which indicates a slight improvement in the situation. But in any case, by 2022, the figures were almost 3 times lower.

Signs of fraud

The peculiarities of this type of offense include the voluntary transfer of funds or property rights. Article 190 fraud is relevant only if the victim was directly involved in the process and transferred the funds to the offender. And this is the main difference from theft and other violations aimed at misappropriation of other people's property. There are several key characteristics that will help you recognize illegal actions. Signs of fraud:

  • the promise of quick and easy money without effort;
  • only general information, often with a lot of details, but without specifics;
  • psychological pressure: the requirement to act quickly, to hurry, to take advantage of a limited offer;
  • demand to provide personal data;
  • the conversation is limited to finances or property.

Examples of online fraud include emails informing about an inheritance, mailings offering to get a job in well-known companies such as Amazon, Rozetka, Tik-Tok on attractive terms. A common format of deception that has been gaining momentum in recent years is correspondence on dating sites with subsequent requests for financial assistance.

Types of fraud

Depending on the form of the attacker's encroachment, fraud is distinguished between simple and complex actions. According to Art. 190, fraud is not only false information, but also an abuse of trust that harms the interests of the victim. There are numerous ways to obtain things, material assets and real estate. Among the most common in recent years:

  • Phishing: Attempts to obtain personal information, such as passwords, bank card numbers, or account logins, by sending emails or links to fake websites.
  • Vishing fraud is defined in this form by Article 190 as phone calls to obtain confidential information. Attackers call or write on behalf of a bank or official organization and ask for information to transfer money to a “safe account”.
  • Pharming. The use of malware to redirect users to copies of well-known websites. The mechanism is as follows: after entering personal data, it falls into the hands of attackers.
  • Nigerian letters. Describing the types of fraud, it is impossible to avoid this scheme, which has become a classic. The victim receives a letter informing them that they have won or inherited a large sum of money - they just need to send a small advance payment to receive it. But the transferred funds disappear, as do the promises of golden mountains.

There is another sophisticated method of deception used by criminals for personal gain, which is classified as fraud. The CCU also includes in this list falsification, which is defined as the artificial replacement of the characteristics of an object. This applies not only to specific products or goods, but also to scientific data and false information.

What is the punishment for fraud

If the victim suffered damages as a result of the offender's actions, the degree of liability depends on the circumstances of the case:

  • Fraud under Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine provides for a fine of 2 to 3 thousand non-taxable minimum incomes, community service of up to 240 hours, correctional labor of up to two years, probationary supervision (effective from 2023) or imprisonment for up to three years.
  • In case of a repeat offense or in the presence of a criminal conspiracy of a group of persons, the fine increases to 4 thousand tax-free minimum incomes, or: correctional labor for up to 2 years, restriction of liberty for up to 5 years, or imprisonment for up to 3 years.
  • What is the penalty for fraud during martial law? The fine reaches 8 thousand tax-free minimum incomes, imprisonment - up to 5 years.
  • Fraud on a large scale or with the use of electronic computers will result in imprisonment for up to 8 years. But only if the offender acted alone. But in particularly large amounts and as part of an organized group - up to 12 years and with confiscation.

It is important to understand not only what fraud is, but also the procedure for classifying losses, depending on the damage caused:

  • significant - UAH 146-365 thousand, which is equivalent to 100-250 subsistence minimums;
  • in a large amount - UAH 365-876 thousand, 250-600 subsistence minimums;
  • in especially large amounts - over UAH 876,000, more than 600 subsistence minimums.

The statute of limitations for filing a claim in a case ranges from 3 to 15 years, depending on the severity of the crime.

How to protect yourself from fraudsters

To protect your finances and personal data from criminals, strict adherence to the rules of safe behavior will help:

  • do not share personal information;
  • always check the sources of information;
  • do not click on suspicious links;
  • use anti-virus software;
  • do not trust too attractive offers.

If you still cannot avoid injustice and deception, it is important to seek legal assistance. A qualified lawyer will tell you in detail how and where to file a written statement, what the article for fraud is and how to prove the fact of the crime, and, most importantly, if necessary, provide representation in court.

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