Ukrainian authorities have discovered a financial fraud scheme that targeted residents in Ukraine and Europe. It included cryptocurrencies-related scams. Members of the criminal organization contacted victims by calling call centers in order to obtain personal financial information.
Phishing Ukrainian Call Centers Proclaim Excessive Profits from Crypto Trading
Officers from the Main Investigative Department of Ukraine’s National Police and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have dismantled a criminal group running schemes designed to misappropriate funds from citizens of the country and a number of EU nations. They offered investment opportunities for investors in the exchange of commodities and securities as well as crypto assets.
The scammers set up call centers to pretend they were from the state banks in order for them to collect credit card details. The scammers used sophisticated software and high-tech equipment to alter their telephone numbers so that they appeared to be official bank numbers.
Fake websites were used by the organizers to trade fiat, digital currency, stocks, oil, gold and securities on fake exchange platforms. In a Tuesday press release, the National Police of Ukraine stated that they had promised excessive profits for investment funds.
What’s more, the fraudsters also gained access to a database with the contact information of foreign nationals who had been targeted in similar attempts in the past. On behalf of a so-called “Community of cryptocurrency brokers,” they offered the victims to track and return their stolen cryptocurrency for a “commission.”
These people accepted the services of the unidentified entity and were given details to transfer the commission into accounts owned by criminals. After receiving the funds, the “brokers” suddenly interrupted communication and the lost cryptocurrency was never returned.
Searches by Ukrainian law enforcement were conducted at the locations of call centers to seize computer equipment and mobile phones as well as records that confirmed the illegal activities. If found guilty under the provisions of Ukraine’s Criminal Code for large-scale fraud committed by an organized group and the use, distribution, or sale of harmful software, the perpetrators may face up to 12 years in prison.
Is it possible that you believe the Ukrainian cryptofraudsters would be sentenced in court? Leave a comment below.
Images CreditsShutterstock. Pixabay. Wiki Commons. National Police of Ukraine