Internet fraud rising in Vysočina: over 1,000 cases in nine months
Cybercriminal activity in Vysočina region increased by 22 per cent during the first nine months of the year. A case from Třebíč: a fraudster deprived a woman of more than 300,000 crowns.
Cybernetic fraud in Vysočina: 1,027 cases and a woman robbed of 300,000
Internet fraud is a daily reality in Vysočina region, according to tydenikpolicie.cz. During the first nine months of this year, police officers there recorded a total of 1,027 criminal offences in the field of cybercriminal activity — 188 more cases than in the same period last year, representing an increase exceeding 22 per cent.
Clarification rates remain low. Police officers managed to directly clarify 139 cases, over thirteen per cent. A further 101 cases from previous years were clarified retrospectively, with overall clarification exceeding 23 per cent.
False identity on Instagram, blackmail with photographs
Detectives from the general crime department of the Třebíč territorial office are investigating one of the most recent cases. An unknown perpetrator operating under a false identity extracted financial resources exceeding 300,000 crowns from a trusting woman. The unlawful activity took place from September 2023 until the end of October this year.
The perpetrator initially contacted the woman via the social network Instagram. He then moved the communication to Google Chat and used various email addresses. Under fabricated pretexts — financial hardship, hunger or holiday expenses — he induced her to send money from her bank account or via MoneyGram service on at least twelve occasions.
The situation escalated in January this year, when the perpetrator began demanding further payments. When the woman refused, he resorted to blackmail: he threatened to publish her personal photographs on the internet. Out of fear, the woman sent him more money. Detectives have initiated criminal proceedings for suspicion of committing fraud and blackmail offences and are searching for the perpetrator.
Police warn: do not send money to strangers
Police officers, in connection with the case, are again drawing attention to the risks of communicating with strangers on social networks. According to their statement, the perpetrator deliberately builds a relationship of trust during contact with the victim — the victim never knows who they are actually communicating with.
Police reiterate several specific recommendations:
- Never send money to anyone you do not know personally.
- On social networks, anyone can pose as anyone else under a false identity.
- As soon as a new online "friend" begins to ask for financial resources, immediately end communication.
- Be cautious of offers of long-distance relationships, messages about unexpected inheritances or winnings, particularly from abroad.
- Do not allow yourself to be manipulated by time pressure.
If you become a victim of fraud, police officers recommend contacting the Police of the Czech Republic as soon as possible.
Source: Google News CZ — Crime (cs)