Scammer Steals Money from Elderly Woman's Account
Authorities have charged a woman with theft and unauthorized access to information systems. She faces imprisonment.
The 72-year-old woman contacted the police, reporting that nearly 180,000 hryvnias had been stolen from her bank account, funds she received as aid for families of missing servicemen. She learned about the theft from a bank employee when she went to withdraw her money.
During the investigation, police discovered that the crime involved the victim's 30-year-old former daughter-in-law. The woman assisted her elderly relative in setting up documents and opened a bank account for her, where the funds were deposited. The pensioner gave part of the money to her former relative for her grandchildren, but the latter decided to keep the rest for herself.
The scammer installed an online banking app on her smartphone and entered her mother-in-law's card details. Over ten days, she transferred a total of 179,000 hryvnias to her own account through multiple transactions.
Roman Mykhailov, the head of the Bolhrad district police department, reported that after gathering sufficient evidence, investigators informed the woman of the charges under Part 1 of Article 361 and Part 4 of Article 185 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. She faces up to eight years in prison.
The investigation continues under the supervision of the prosecutor's office.
Authorities urge citizens: never disclose confidential information about your bank accounts to avoid falling victim to fraud. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, contact your bank and the police immediately.
