Thessaloniki, October 20, 2014
PRESS RELEASE
Internet fraud detection
A 47-year-old internet user was identified as the perpetrator
Through an online website and under the pretext of selling three used laptops, he extorted money from two domestic prospective buyers
The systematic investigation by police officers of the Property Rights Protection Department of the Thessaloniki Security Directorate led to the tracing of an internet user and the subsequent investigation into a case of online fraud against two Greek citizens.
This is a 47-year-old Greek national, against whom a case has been filed on charges of fraud.
This was preceded by a complaint against two Greek citizens, aged 61 and 52, for fraud that took place against them, via the internet, under the pretext of buying and selling used laptops.
As emerged from the police investigation, the perpetrator posted on an online website an offer for the sale of three (3) used laptops, which the victims' prospective buyers discovered after browsing the internet.
The complainants contacted the 47-year-old man by telephone, who sent them the goods by mail, with a cash on delivery.
Upon receiving them, the two buyers discovered that the three computers were defective and, after contacting the perpetrator by phone, returned them by mail in order to receive a refund. However, the 47-year-old refused, instead suggesting that he send them new computers, which never happened.
The case file drawn up for the case was submitted to the Prosecutor of the Minor Offences Courts of Thessaloniki.
On the occasion of this specific case, the Thessaloniki Security Directorate advises internet users:
- Be particularly careful in the transactions they make over the internet and carry out electronic transactions on reliable websites that follow reliable security protocols.
- In cases of online transactions and to avoid possible fraud, when purchasing goods or services, they should check whether the website they are using is valid and choose only well-known and secure websites for their transactions and purchases.
- It is recommended that they use prepaid cards in their online purchases, so that only the amount that is to be used immediately is available, while at the same time this way gives the possibility of adding money only when necessary, in order to process online transactions securely.
- Do not trust the information and promises of strange and dubious websites.
- Be informed about the identity and reliability of online stores for which the company's details should be clearly identified, namely the name, address, telephone number and contact information.
- The product features must be clear. Particular attention should be paid to the product price, payment method, delivery time and return-cancellation policy.
- The terms of use of the transaction must be accessible and transparent.
- Avoid electronic transactions from third-party or publicly accessible computers (e.g. from Internet cafes).
- Keep passwords in a safe place. Do not use family names, dates of birth, anniversaries, etc. as passwords, which can be easily guessed.
(More information can be obtained from the official website of the Hellenic Policewww.hellenicpolice.gr / Citizen's Guide).
