Publication date: 27.03.2025
Citizenship and residence, driving and transport, business and self-employment, visas and immigration, money and taxes, housing and local services, passports, travel and living abroad. And others. Except criminal ones.
The client sent money to an online store for a product but never received it. The website was blocked, making it impossible to contact the seller or retrieve the funds.
Lawyer Serhii Maiko assisted in the investigation. A request was submitted, and direct contact with the bank was established. Additionally, communication was made with the consumer protection department.
Result: The money for the undelivered product was refunded despite the disappearance of the website.
Online Shopping Fraud – A Common Issue
It is crucial to stay vigilant, especially when transferring money to an unknown account or entering your card details on an unfamiliar website.
Popular Online Fraud Schemes
- Fake online stores – The website looks legitimate, but after payment, no product is delivered.
Marketplace scams (OLX, Prom, Facebook Marketplace, etc.) – The seller demands an upfront payment and disappears.
Phishing sites – Fraudsters copy the design of well-known stores and steal card details.
Fake reviews and promotions – Attract victims with low prices or “free” products with expensive shipping.
Payments through dubious services – Require a transfer to a private individual’s card instead of an official payment system.
How to Protect Yourself from Online Fraud?
- Verify the website – Check reviews and look for legal information (address, company registration number).
Make payments only through secure payment systems.
Check for HTTPS in the address bar.
Never enter card details on suspicious websites.
Use cash-on-delivery payment when possible.
Verify the store’s contact details – Fraudsters often hide phone numbers or use messengers instead of email.
If you have been deceived, you can file a complaint with the cyber police or bank to block the transfer.
What to Do If You Get Scammed?
If you fall victim to online fraud and made the payment through a bank, act quickly.
- 1. Contact Your Bank Immediately. Call the bank’s hotline or send a message via the mobile app. Inform the operator that the transfer was sent to fraudsters and request to block the transaction or initiate a chargeback.
- 2. File a Chargeback Request. A chargeback is possible if: The payment was made with a Visa/Mastercard, you did not receive the product or service, you did not authorize the charge (e.g., an automatic subscription renewal without consent). To file a request: Check with the bank if a chargeback is possible. Submit a dispute request (in a bank branch or via online banking). Attach supporting evidence (receipts, communication with the seller, order confirmation screenshots).
- 3. Report to the Cyber Police. If fraud is confirmed, submit a complaint to the Cyber Police of Ukraine https://ticket.cyberpolice.gov.ua/. Required documents: screenshots of the conversation with the seller, proof of payment, the fraudulent website link.
Additional Steps to Recover Funds
- If the transfer was sent to the fraudster’s bank card, ask your bank to issue a refund request.
If the purchase was made through an official marketplace (Rozetka, OLX, Prom), file a complaint with their support team.
If you paid via PayPal, open a dispute and request a refund.
The fastest way to cancel unconfirmed payments (if the money has not yet been completely written off).
Chargeback processing can take between 30 to 120 days, depending on the situation.
If you encounter online fraud, a professional lawyer can help you dispute the transaction and recover your funds faster. The key is to act promptly and seek assistance immediately.
Serhii Maiko is always ready to assist in complex situations and help his clients restore justice.
