Online fraudsters

Recently, online fraudsters have been increasingly stealing money from bank cards. This becomes possible because the victims themselves disclose their card details.
This problem has not bypassed our district either. In 2019 alone, there were 5 registered cases where citizens voluntarily provided information about their bank cards to criminals, and as a result, lost the money stored on them.
Typically, criminals start the conversation with: "Do you have a bank card?", "Which bank is your card from?", "My SIM card was blocked, help me restore it," or "My card has expired, and I urgently need to pay for services." There are people who fall for these tricks.
In many cases, it is difficult to identify those who stole the money.
Mostly, the hackers are abroad, largely in Russia. These schemes involve not just one person, but a group, because the money is stolen in a very short period of time.
A person provides their card details to someone, and within 10 minutes, the money is gone.
Money is usually transferred to payment resources such as electronic wallets, and from there, funds can be quickly distributed to any payment services. Tracking their path is very difficult.
How to protect yourself from online money theft?

1. Most importantly, never, under any circumstances, disclose your bank card number or its security code to anyone. If a friend, acquaintance, or loved one who genuinely needs help writes to you, call them back to verify that it is indeed them. In any case, do not share your personal bank card details through social networks;
2. The social network "VKontakte" has a feature called "additional security level." Go to settings and enable it. Then, if someone tries to hack your page, you will receive a notification on your mobile phone;
3. Enable the 3D-Secure function – an additional password to protect your card for all online purchases. Your bank will explain how to do this. If it is enabled, you will need to enter a special code (most often the bank sends it via SMS) to complete an online payment. Without this code, money will not be debited from your card.
What are the penalties for this type of fraud?
Part 2 of Article 212 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus "Theft by means of computer technology" – theft of property associated with unauthorized access to computer information – is punishable by restriction of liberty for a term of two to five years or imprisonment for a term of up to five years with or without deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities.
Following the simple recommendations above, as well as your own vigilance, will help you protect your financial assets.
If you become a victim of fraudsters, report it to the Postavy District Department of Internal Affairs by calling 102 or 4-10-02, mobile phone 510-29-45 MTS.

 

Head of Postavy District Department of Internal Affairs
Police Colonel A.N. Garus

20.03.2019