A new scam: thieves use the “Schoolchildren’s Package” to steal data
17 July 2025 05:08
Fraudsters are actively using fake links, posing as representatives of the state program “Schoolchildren’s Package” to lure out bank card data. This was reported by the police of Ivano-Frankivsk region on its Facebook page, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The victim of fraud lost 20 thousand hryvnias
a 40-year-old resident of Kolomyia region became a victim of fraud. The woman stumbled upon a link on Facebook that promised to apply for a government benefit called the “Schoolchild’s Package” in the amount of 5,000 hryvnias. The link turned out to be a trap that led to a phishing site.
During the “registration of assistance,” the woman was asked to enter her bank card details. This information was enough for the fraudsters to access her account and withdraw 20 thousand hryvnias in a matter of minutes.
How do fraudsters work?
Attackers create phishing sites that look like official resources related to government programs. They promise payments, in particular under the Schoolchildren’s Package program, but in fact these sites are designed to steal financial data.
After entering the card details, the information falls into the hands of fraudsters who immediately withdraw funds from the victims’ accounts.
The police of Ivano-Frankivsk region initiated criminal proceedings under Part 4 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (fraud). Law enforcers urge citizens to be careful and provide recommendations on how to avoid such scams.
How to protect yourself from fraudsters
In order to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, the police advise following the following rules:
- Check URLs. Fake websites often have errors in the address or extra characters.
- Trust only official sources. All government payments are made through official services, such as the website of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
- Do not enter personal information. Never provide bank card details or other personal information on suspicious platforms.
- If you have already become a victim of fraud, immediately collect all evidence (screenshots, transaction data, links) and contact the police by calling 102.
