The Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Cyber Police urge Ukrainians to be cautious due to the emergence of a new fraudulent scheme involving the fictitious sale of cars online. Malefactors post advertisements for vehicles at attractive prices, claiming that the cars are already at the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or “waiting for customs clearance.”
This is reported by Finway
How the Car Fraud Scheme Works
To build trust, scammers send potential buyers counterfeit documents — including “certificates” and copies of registration certificates, supposedly issued at the service centers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. They assure that the vehicle can be picked up immediately after payment is completed. Sometimes, the criminals appeal to socially sensitive topics — for example, offering to purchase a car “for the military,” demanding urgent money transfers for allegedly quick processing.
Sometimes scammers appeal to socially sensitive topics, including volunteering: they offer to buy a car “for the military” and request an urgent money transfer supposedly for quick processing. In reality, the car does not exist, and they simply pocket the money received
Recommendations for Citizens
The Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasizes: no vehicles are stored at the service centers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs without the owner’s participation. Registration or re-registration of a vehicle is only possible with the personal presence of the owner or an authorized person. The procedure for obtaining the service involves a physical inspection of the car by an expert, document verification, identity confirmation, and payment exclusively through official channels. Any offers for “reserving” a car before transferring funds are a sign of fraud.
- Service centers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs do not store cars awaiting processing — each service is provided only upon the personal request of the owner or their representative.
- “Copies” or “photos of certificates” received via messengers do not guarantee authenticity — such materials should not be trusted.
- Do not transfer money for a car that you have not seen in person, and it is recommended to verify the seller and the vehicle through official registries.
New Developments for Drivers in Ukraine
In Ukraine, the test questions for the theoretical exam for obtaining a driver’s license have been updated. As of September 12, questions regarding road signs, markings, the basics of safe driving, and other points have changed to better align with modern traffic rules.
Additionally, the Cabinet of Ministers proposes to extend the payment period for fines for traffic violations recorded by cameras from 10 to 15 days. The corresponding draft law has already been registered in parliament.