Fraudsters Exploit Bolhrad Official's Identity for Military Donations

Unidentified individuals are using the fake Facebook page of the head of the Bolhrad District State Administration, Mykhailo Sharafanenko, and messengers to ask for financial assistance for the alleged purchase of equipment for the military.

The fraudulent scheme was reported by the press service of the Bolhrad District State Administration.

According to the available information, the fraudsters call from the number +38063-785-18-45, most often via Viber, using the photo of the head of the Bolhrad District State Administration. They convince people to transfer money for the "needs of the military" by manipulating patriotic slogans and the urgent need for equipment.

Photo: Bolhrad District State Administration.

The same group of scammers previously operated in Sumy region, where they also collected funds on behalf of the head of the Sumy District State (Military) Administration.

"Please be careful and do not transfer funds without checking the information," the message says.

How to protect yourself from fraudsters?

• Check the information through official channels of the district state administration.
• Do not transfer funds without confirming that the request is official.
• If you suspect fraud , contact law enforcement.

It should be noted that this is not the first case in Odesa region when fraudsters act on behalf of the authorities. In particular, the Izmail District State Administration recorded fraudsters sending letters in Odesa region allegedly on behalf of the head of the District State Administration Rodion Abashev. These letters contained a request to participate in humanitarian aid and to provide financial resources for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In April 2024, Odesa police sent to court the case of an organized criminal group of pseudo-volunteers who were extorting money from residents of the region to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Intent has already written that a financial pyramid scheme was organized in Odesa and investors were defrauded of more than USD 200 thousand. Law enforcement officers detained three people - the organizer of the fraudulent scheme and two of his accomplices. They have already been notified of being suspected under Part 5 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (fraud on a large scale).

Ірина Глухова