SBU warns: fraudsters are intimidating Ukrainians with fictitious criminal cases

The Security Service of Ukraine has recorded a rise in fraud cases in which criminals impersonate SBU officers and other law enforcement officials in order to extort money from citizens.

According to the agency, the scheme is built on intimidation: the fraudsters inform the victim that a criminal case has allegedly been opened against them — for state treason, financing Russia, or purchasing prohibited goods. To increase the pressure, the scammers send a fictitious summons to appear for questioning via messaging apps.

Once the victim is under psychological pressure, the criminals offer to help them “avoid punishment” in exchange for a sum of money.

The SBU urged citizens not to give in to such threats. The agency stressed that anyone who encounters such extortion must immediately contact law enforcement.