Cybercrime Southeast Europe Newsletter No. 89
What to Do If You Become a Victim of Fraud in the Balkans
Dear Clients,
In recent years, the number of fraud cases across the Balkans has risen sharply. These scams range from online shopping fraud and identity theft to investment scams, fake prize games, and phishing emails or messages.
Scammers often design their messages to appear official and convincing, aiming to create a sense of urgency or fear that prompts victims to open attachments, click links, or provide personal and financial information.
How to recognize a scam:
- Emails, messages, or calls that appear to come from banks, government agencies, or reputable companies requesting your personal information, PINs, or login credentials.
- Offers promising quick profits, inheritances from abroad, or “safe” investment opportunities.
- Online stores with no reviews, suspicious prices, or unclear terms.
- Calls from abroad requesting urgent help or immediate payments.
Immediate steps if you suspect you’ve been scammed:
- Cease all contact with the individual or platform immediately.
- Do not transfer money or provide any additional information.
- Preserve all evidence – screenshots, correspondence, account numbers, and emails.
- Inform your bank or financial institution to block suspicious transactions or cards.
- Change passwords and check the security of all accounts.
Reporting fraud to competent authorities:
- Police or Ministry of Interior
- You can file a report in person at your local police station.
- For cyber fraud, contact the cybercrime department in your country.
- Include all evidence and a detailed description of the incident.
- National CERTs or cybersecurity agencies
- Most Balkan countries have national teams for cyber incidents that assist in analyzing scams and preventing further incidents (e.g., cert.rs in Serbia, cert.hr in Croatia, cert.ba in Bosnia & Herzegovina).
- Central banks and financial regulators
- In cases of card fraud or unauthorized transactions, you can submit a complaint to your bank or financial regulator.
- Banks and regulators are obligated to protect users and respond within specified timelines.
Victims’ rights:
- Filing a criminal report enables investigation and potential recovery of losses.
- You may initiate civil proceedings to claim damages.
- If you have fraud insurance, check your coverage for compensation.
- Banks are required to respond to complaints within statutory deadlines for unauthorized transactions.
Conclusion:
Frauds are becoming increasingly sophisticated and can have serious financial consequences. Awareness, caution, and prompt action are essential to protect your assets. Preserving evidence and using official channels to report fraud remain your first line of defense.
Kind regards,
Attorney Zoran Miljaković