As the war forces millions of people to flee their homes in search of protection and a new life, Ukrainian refugees are an easy target for fraudsters. In a state of stress, emotional exhaustion and uncertainty, people often take rash steps in an attempt to find housing, work or receive assistance. It is at these moments, when the need for support is greatest, that fraudsters appear and take advantage of the vulnerability and trust of refugees for their own benefit.
The situation is complicated by the fact that many of these people are in unfamiliar countries where they do not understand local laws, language barriers add to the difficulties, and their economic situation makes them more vulnerable to the promise of ‘quick fixes’. All of this creates an ideal environment for fraudsters who use a variety of methods to deceive and profit from misery and suffering.
The main methods of fraud
1. Fake employment agencies
One of the most common types of fraud is the activity of fake employment agencies. Fraudsters take advantage of the desperate situation of refugees to offer jobs abroad with attractive conditions, promising high salaries and good living conditions. However, before getting a job, people are asked to pay for ‘intermediary services’, often requiring an advance payment. As a result, refugees are left penniless and unemployed, falling into even greater difficulties.
For example, in Poland, there have been numerous cases where Ukrainian refugees were promised accommodation, but after paying for the ‘intermediary’ services, the fraudsters disappeared. People were left without means of subsistence and without any possibility of finding help.
2. Renting housing on fraudulent terms
Housing is one of the most important needs for refugees, and fraudsters do not miss the opportunity to profit from this. Fake landlords place advertisements for rental accommodation at attractive prices, luring a prepayment or even full payment several months in advance. After receiving the money, the fraudsters disappear and refugees are left homeless.
For example, in Germany, there were cases when Ukrainian families were offered to rent houses for symbolic amounts of money, but after the money was transferred, the tenants could not contact the ‘owners’ and the housing turned out to be either non-existent or already occupied.
3. Fake humanitarian organisations
Fraudsters use the creation of fake humanitarian organisations to collect money from gullible people. They may pose as volunteers or representatives of international organisations, promising assistance in the form of food, medicine or financial support. Often, they demand prepayments for ‘services’ or personal data to apply for aid, which they then use to steal personal information.
Fake websites imitating official charities have been spotted in Ukraine and abroad, collecting money ‘to help refugees’. The money was actually transferred to the personal accounts of the fraudsters.
4. Telephone fraudsters
Telephone fraudsters often take advantage of the chaos that occurs during war and offer assistance to Ukrainian refugees on behalf of government agencies or charitable organisations. They may offer ‘cash payments’ but demand payment for paperwork or promise to unblock accounts or restore lost documents for a fee.
For example, in Poland, there have been cases where Ukrainians have received calls from people posing as employees of charitable organisations, offering payments and demanding a ‘small fee’ for processing money transfers.
5. Online fraud
Online fraud is becoming increasingly popular due to the widespread use of the Internet among refugees. Fraudsters create fake websites, offer free help, jobs or paperwork services. They also use social media to trick people into giving them money or personal information.
Ukrainian refugees often receive messages on social media offering assistance or ‘urgent payments’, after which fraudsters gain access to their personal data and use it for their own benefit.
How to protect yourself from fraudsters
1. Verify information
Always check whether the organisation offering assistance is registered and operating. Do not rush to trust ads or offers on the Internet, especially if they involve payment in advance or subscriptions.
2. Refer to official sources
If you are offered a job, accommodation or any kind of assistance, contact official government or international organisations. They can confirm or deny the legitimacy of the offer.
3. Do not give out personal information
Never give out your passport or bank details to strangers or organisations that do not have a proven track record. This information can be used for fraud or theft.
4. Consult with the locals
If you are in a foreign country, try to reach out to locals or Ukrainian communities for advice. Local people are often more aware of potential risks and can help with advice.
5. Document all contacts
Write down and keep all contacts, contracts or messages you receive from potential ‘aid’ organisations. This can be useful if you become a victim of fraud and contact the police.
In times of war and uncertainty, when people are particularly vulnerable, fraudsters do not hesitate to use any opportunity to make money. Ukrainian refugees who have fled their homes to seek safety are exposed to new threats in the form of fraudulent schemes. Increased awareness and caution are the primary conditions for avoiding the traps of fraudsters. By protecting themselves, refugees can preserve their resources and avoid additional stress in an already difficult environment.
