Thursday13 February 2025
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Sold nonexistent goods: Police in Marganets have reported suspicions against a local scammer (PHOTO).

The scammer deceived trusting buyers into paying in advance and then vanished without a trace.
В Марганце полиция подозревает местного мошенника в продаже несуществующего товара (ФОТО).

In Marganets, law enforcement agencies have uncovered yet another scheme of internet fraud. A 37-year-old local resident was detained on suspicion of deceiving seven individuals for a total amount of around 30,000 hryvnias. His criminal activities involved selling non-existent goods through one of the popular online platforms. The fraudster also engaged in trading via social media. This was reported by "Vidomo," citing the police of the Dnipropetrovsk region.

The fraud scheme was quite simple yet effective. In early January of this year, the perpetrator posted several advertisements on social media for the sale of electrical goods. The ads were crafted to attract the attention of potential buyers, featuring appealing photographs, detailed descriptions of the products, and, most importantly, lowered prices. This created the illusion of a lucrative offer, prompting people to make impulsive purchases.

As soon as a potential buyer expressed interest and agreed to purchase, the fraudster requested payment in advance to a bank card. After receiving the money, the perpetrator ceased all communication with the buyer, became unreachable by phone, and disappeared from social media. Consequently, the victims were left without goods and without money.

The fraudster was apprehended. On January 21, investigators informed the suspect of the charges brought against him under Part 1, 2 of Article 190 (fraud) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. This article stipulates a penalty of imprisonment for a term of three to eight years.

Previously, we reported that - in Dnipropetrovsk region, an elderly woman using a walker became a victim of a fraudster

We also wrote that in Dnipro, a fraudster paid with counterfeit 200 hryvnia bills