An increase in the number of cybercrimes is noted

In 2020, the Vitebsk region, like other regions of the republic, saw a significant increase in crimes related to the use of computer technology and the global Internet network.

The number of "high-tech" crimes increased from 1132 to 3021. Crimes of this category accounted for 28.1% of the total number of crimes registered in the Vitebsk region. This means that almost every third crime was committed using computer technology and the Internet.

The largest number of crimes in this category were fraud (Article 209 of the Criminal Code) and theft by using computer technology (Article 212 of the Criminal Code).

Regarding Article 212 of the Criminal Code, this type of crime (as theft) is committed using two main methods of obtaining bank card details of citizens. These are "Phishing" – obtaining details during correspondence on the Internet on websites for selling goods and services such as Kufar and others, and "Vishing" – obtaining details using a mobile phone, when criminals personally call victims and, under various pretexts, persuade them to provide payment bank card details and bank account numbers.

Having obtained citizens' payment document details, criminals transfer funds to accounts previously opened by them and subsequently dispose of them as their own.

Given the technical capabilities of criminals, the detection rate of such crimes is extremely low, therefore, it should be understood that it is significantly more difficult for the victim to recover their savings than to prevent their theft.

Currently, there is a sufficient amount of memos and information available on the Internet on how to protect yourself from Internet criminals.

The essence of all recommendations is reduced to one simple measure – never disclose personal data of your payment cards and bank account details to third parties, including bank employees. It should be remembered that no one but yourself can ensure the proper safekeeping of payment details information from third parties.

 

Head of the Department for Supervision of Inquiries

and Operational-Investigative Activities

of the Regional Prosecutor's Office

Vasily Parusov