The modern world gives us many opportunities for convenient and quick shopping. Online stores, social networks and instant messengers have become an integral part of our lives. However, along with convenience come risks. Fraudsters actively exploit the trust of citizens.

Spring is the time when we want to please our loved ones with gifts. But it is during this period that fraudsters become more active, offering non-existent goods at tempting prices. How to avoid becoming a victim of fraud? Let’s figure it out.

How do scammers operate?

Scammers create fictitious ads on popular sites, social networks or instant messengers. They offer goods that are especially in demand before the holidays: jewelry, cosmetics, household appliances, flowers and much more. Often, such offers are accompanied by bright photos and convincing, but fake reviews.

When you contact the seller, he asks to transfer an advance payment or the full cost of the goods to the card, promising fast delivery. However, after the money is transferred, the connection with the seller is interrupted, and you still do not receive the goods.

Real examples of deception of residents of the Minsk region:

Flowers that were not delivered. A man decided to order a bouquet for his wife through an online store that he found on a social network. He was offered a discount on the condition of full prepayment. He transferred the money, but on a holiday, the courier never arrived. It turned out that the store was fictitious.
A piece of jewelry with a catch. A young couple wanted to buy a ring at a discount. They found an ad on a popular site where the seller offered the product at a price below the market price. After the money was transferred, the seller stopped answering calls and messages.
How to protect yourself?

Buy only on trusted sites. Avoid transactions through social networks or instant messengers if the seller is not trustworthy.
Do not transfer money in advance. Pay for the goods only upon receipt or use secure payment methods that provide a refund in case of fraud.
Check reviews. Study the seller’s history, read reviews from other buyers. If there are none or they seem fake, this is a reason to be wary.
Do not trust too low prices. If the product is significantly cheaper than in other stores, it may be a trap.
Buy gifts wisely, check the sellers and do not fall for the tricks of fraudsters. Be vigilant!

Assistant prosecutor

Pukhovichsky district Ilya Vasiliev