How Scammers Operate in Ukraine in 2025 — and How to Protect Your Money
When Fear Takes Over Logic
Fraudsters have become more sophisticated in 2025. They’re adapting to war, technology, and — most dangerously — our emotions.
As a practicing lawyer, I see how easily people fall for well-crafted traps. And most victims are not naïve — they’re simply caught at the wrong moment. So let’s walk through the first two most common fraud schemes in Ukraine right now — and how to protect yourself, legally and practically.
1. Fake Bank Employees via Video Call
This is a new twist on the classic “bank call” scam — and it’s much more convincing.
You receive a video call on Viber or Telegram. On screen: a man or woman wearing a branded shirt, a badge from PrivatBank or Monobank. They speak calmly and professionally, saying there’s a “security check,” “suspicious activity on your account,” or that “we just need to verify your identity.”
They ask for a code from an SMS. Or for your full card details.
Don’t give it. Ever. This is a scam.
Why it works:
– video creates trust;
– people assume “they wouldn’t show their face if it were fake”;
– scammers speak well and use real bank terminology.
What the law says:
This is fraud under Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: deception for financial gain. And impersonating a bank employee is an aggravating factor.
What real banks say:
– Banks never call via video for verification.
– They never ask for full card numbers or SMS codes.
– Verification happens only through official apps.
How to protect yourself:
- Hang up immediately.
- Call your bank using the number from their official website.
- Report the incident to the Cyber Police via cyberpolice.gov.ua.
- Never give out SMS codes to anyone — even if they say they’re from “Security.”
Tip: If you’re unsure — hang up and call back using your bank’s app. Don’t try to figure it out during the call — that’s when most people make mistakes.
2. “Your Son Is in SBU Custody” — Emotional Blackmail Scams
This one plays on fear — and it’s become one of the most widespread scams in Ukraine since early 2024.
You get a call:
“Your son/husband has been detained by SBU. He’s suspected of treason. If you don’t hire a lawyer right now — he’ll go to prison.”
They’re calm, persuasive — and scary. You panic. You stop thinking. And you transfer money.
Why it works:
– fear shuts down critical thinking;
– many families have relatives in the army, SBU, or police;
– the scammers often know real names and locations (from leaked databases).
What the law says:
Again, Article 190 of the Criminal Code — fraud using false pretenses.
If they impersonate law enforcement — Article 353: unlawful use of authority or titles.
How to spot the scam:
– Real law enforcement will never demand money over the phone.
– They’ll send official summons or notices — not Viber messages.
– No lawyer works like this: “pay now, or we’ll arrest him.”
What to do:
- Don’t act emotionally.
- Try to contact your relative or their unit commander.
- Call the actual SBU or military hotline (not the one they give you).
- Report the scam to the police.
Tip: Save numbers of military units or commanders if you have family serving. In panic, it’s easier to check when you have verified contacts on hand.
3. Fake Rental Listings: “Pay a Deposit First” Trap
This is one of the oldest online scams — but it’s still thriving, especially in times of displacement and housing shortages.
The process looks simple:
– You see a flat or house for rent on OLX, Facebook Marketplace, or even a Viber chat.
– The listing looks real: photos, location, a low (but not suspiciously low) price.
– You contact the “landlord.” They say:
“Lots of people are interested — send a deposit now to reserve it.”
– Once you send the money — they disappear. Blocked. No keys. No address. No rental.
Why it works:
– urgency: “someone else is about to take it”;
– stress: people need housing fast;
– scammers copy real listings or use AI-generated images.
What the law says:
This is classic fraud (Article 190 of the Criminal Code) — illegal appropriation of funds using deception.
If the scammers operate in groups or on repeat — that’s aggravating circumstances, which increase penalties.
What to look out for:
– No viewings before payment = red flag.
– Pushy messages like “just send a small prepayment.”
– Photos that look “too clean” — often stolen from real estate sites.
How to protect yourself:
- Never pay any deposit without physically seeing the property.
- Ask for documents: passport of the owner, proof of ownership.
- Search the phone number and photos — see if they appear in multiple listings.
- Use trusted rental agencies when possible.
Tip: Even if it’s “just 1000 UAH,” don’t assume small losses are safe. Thousands fall for this every month — and the totals are massive.
4. Fake Volunteers: “Help the Army” Scams
This one hurts the most — because it abuses patriotism and our desire to help.
You see a post:
– fundraiser for drones, medicines, or injured soldiers;
– photo of a destroyed car or soldier with a caption:
“Urgent fundraiser — help save lives!”
– they ask to transfer money to a private card (not an NGO or verified platform).
But the post is fake. The photo — stolen from a real volunteer. The card — belongs to a scammer.
Why it works:
– emotional appeal;
– real-looking photos;
– people don’t check where the money goes — they just want to help.
What the law says:
This is fraud, and in cases involving military aid — also a crime against national security.
If funds are collected under false pretenses for the army, that could trigger Article 114-1: obstruction of armed forces.
How to verify:
– Check if the volunteer or fund has a public record, NGO registration, or media coverage.
– Look for accountability: do they post financial reports, receipts, or delivery updates?
– Ask: why is this fundraiser on a private card, and not via [official platforms](https://u24.gov.ua/ or trusted NGOs)?
What to do:
- Verify the person or fund before donating.
- Support initiatives with transparent reports.
- Report suspicious posts to Facebook or Instagram — and notify Cyber Police.
Tip: Screenshots of real volunteers can be stolen and used by scammers. Don’t trust images — trust verified links.
5. “Your Case Is Already Won” — Fake Legal Services
This one targets both individuals and small business owners — often those who’ve filed real complaints, or had legal issues in the past.
You get a call or message:
“We’re calling from the court registry. Your case against [X] was resolved in your favor. You just need to pay 3500 UAH in legal fees to process the final decision.”
Or:
“We’re lawyers who already handled your claim. Please pay the service fee so we can transfer the money.”
But here’s the catch:
– you never filed a claim with them;
– they know your name, maybe your ID or tax number — leaked from old databases.
And when you pay — they vanish.
Why it works:
– it sounds official;
– people want to believe they won something — especially if the conflict was real;
– scammers use court-like language and legal templates.
What the law says:
– impersonating a lawyer or court official: Article 353 of the Criminal Code.
– demanding payment under false pretenses: Article 190 — fraud.
– use of fake documents or seals: Article 358 — forgery of documents.
How to protect yourself:
- If you didn’t hire a lawyer — don’t pay.
- Call the court directly if you’re unsure (use official numbers only).
- Ask for a case number and look it up in Court Registry.
- If a lawyer calls you, ask for their full name and bar registration — and verify it at unba.org.ua.
Tip: Real lawyers don’t just show up with good news and a bill. If you don’t remember signing a contract — don’t send money.
What to Do If You’ve Already Been Scammed
Even careful people get scammed. It happens fast, and often under pressure. Here’s what to do next — legally and practically.
1. Don’t Blame Yourself
Fraudsters are professionals. They study psychology and tailor their tactics. The goal is not to shame you — it’s to act fast and protect what you can.
2. Save Everything
– Screenshots of messages and transactions
– Names, numbers, links, bank cards, any IDs they showed
– Voice messages or video calls (if possible)
3. File a Report
– Go to the nearest police station or use Cyber Police site.
– Submit an official statement. Include all evidence.
– You’ll receive a case number — keep it.
Tip: The more victims report a fraud scheme, the more likely the police will act. Don’t assume “it’s too small” to matter.
4. Notify Your Bank
– If you sent money, call your bank’s fraud line immediately.
– In some cases, you may freeze the transfer or flag the account.
– If you gave card details, block the card and issue a new one.
5. Warn Others
– Share verified information about the scheme with friends, family, and online.
– Report the scammer’s page or listing to the platform (Facebook, OLX, etc.).
– Support public awareness — it saves others from falling into the same trap.
About the Author
Related posts:
Cutting Off Communication During Drone Attacks: Legal Strategy or Civilian Risk? 
Nova Poshta and NovaPay Change the Rules: What Ukrainians Need to Know Starting June 1, 2025 
Silent Vulnerability: How Password Reset Became a Hacker’s Favorite Tool 
Customs and Trade at a Crossroads: Why Ukraine’s Legal Forum Matters More Than Ever
