Internet Fraud, Phishing and Bank-Transfer Scams – Evidence and Defence

Internet fraud uses electronic communications, fake profiles, fraudulent websites or manipulated payment instructions. The legal classification depends on the specific mechanism and may involve classic fraud, computer fraud, document offences, unauthorised access or money laundering.

Common methods

• phishing messages and websites imitating banks or couriers;
• altered bank-account details in business correspondence;
• online-advertisement scams and fake payment forms;
• fraudulent investment platforms;
• scams through social networks and dating applications;
• obtaining confirmation codes or remote access to a device.

Classic fraud or computer fraud?

In classic fraud, a deceived person makes the property transfer. In computer fraud under Article 212a of the Bulgarian Criminal Code, the result is achieved through unlawful interference with computer data or the use of another person’s electronic signature. The distinction depends on the technical mechanism.

What should the victim do?

1. Immediately notify the bank and request tracing or suspension of the transfer where possible.
2. Preserve messages, full email headers, website addresses, phone numbers and payment documents.
3. Do not delete applications, chats or profiles before preserving the evidence.
4. Report the matter to the competent authorities with a precise chronology.
5. Change compromised passwords and notify the relevant service providers.

Evidence

Important evidence includes the banking trail, recipients and subsequent transfers, IP data, logs, device data, domains, hosting information, correspondence and expert reports. Some information is retained for a limited period, so prompt action is important.

Defence against an accusation

Receiving funds into an account does not automatically prove authorship or intent. Control over profiles and devices, knowledge of the origin of the funds, the person’s specific participation and the connection with the deception or technical interference must be established.

Related articles

• Computer offences outside Chapter Nine “a”
• Modern forms of cybercrime
• Fraud under Article 209
• Document and computer fraud

This article provides general information. For legal advice, contact attorney Mihail Tomov.