How families of prisoners and missing persons can protect themselves from fraudsters: tips from the Ministry of Internal Affairs
31 December 2024 05:22
Attackers on social media monitor public posts by people looking for information about loved ones in captivity. The fraudsters use their vulnerable emotional state and lure out personal data. This is reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
“In particular, posing as volunteers, journalists, representatives of government agencies or even the aggressor country, the scammers promise to organize a phone call, provide information about the whereabouts of a loved one or facilitate their release,” the report says.
Under the guise of help, fraudsters try to find out confidential information: personal data of servicemen (name, unit, rank, status), bank details, and ask to send photos of documents and other personal data.
Recommendations for citizens to protect themselves from fraudsters:
- Check the sources of information. Always clarify who exactly is offering help. Use only official resources, such as websites of government agencies or trusted organizations that deal with the release of prisoners of war.
- Protect your personal data. Do not share confidential information with strangers, avoid disclosing personal data on social media, even in private messages.
- Be careful with suspicious offers. Beware of financial requests related to the release or search for missing persons. Government agencies and official volunteer organizations do not charge for information or assistance.
- Contact law enforcement agencies. If you suspect fraud, contact the Cyberpolice at https://ticket.cyberpolice.gov.ua/.
“You can use the contacts of the National Police of Ukraine to report a loved one in captivity or to provide biological samples for a DNA profile. The official website contains an algorithm of actions in case of the disappearance of a loved one or his or her captivity,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs noted.
Where to go for help
To ensure a safe and reliable search for missing persons, prisoner of war exchange, return of prisoners, deported and forcibly displaced civilians, including children, citizens can contact the Ombudsman’s Office.
There are several ways to do this:
- call the hotline at: 0800501720 or 0442997408;
- send an e-mail to: [email protected];
- personally visit the public reception office at 21/8 Instytutska St., Kyiv.
