How not to fall into the trap of scammers in an emergency
First of all, attackers can use schemes for renting non-existent housing or offer pseudo-evacuation transportation. In such cases, they ask for a subscription for services and then simply disappear.
Also, scammers can offer to make fake social payments for victims. To do this, they usually distribute links to phishing sites. On such resources, citizens are offered to specify bank card data allegedly for crediting money. By collecting the necessary information, including the number, the validity of the card and the CVV code, the attackers seize money from the victims' accounts.
Fake cash charges are another likely fraud scenario. Abusers can pretend to be philanthropists who raise money for the needs of victims, but actually spend it on their own needs. To avoid falling into the trap, follow these guidelines:
- get information only from official sources.
Please note that official pages of government bodies, charities, banking structures in instant messengers and social networks must be verified (contain a ✔️ mark); - do not follow dubious hyperlinks, because a phishing resource may be hiding behind them. Never enter confidential data, including bank card details on suspicious websites;
- give preference to after-payment services;
- if you want to “donate”, transfer money to the accounts of official funds or well-known public activists. Many online banking applications have compiled a list of the most popular funds and you can make a volunteer contribution in a few clicks;
- Do not tell anyone your bank card data, especially CVV code, card validity, one-time passwords from SMS, authorization data in online banking.
Remember: evacuation from flooded areas is carried out by representatives of local authorities, police and emergency services.
In case you fall into the trap of scammers, call the hotline 102 or submit an appeal on the cyber police website.
National Police of Ukraine
