What steps should I take if I become a victim of online fraud?
December 9, 2023 | 45,00 EUR | answered by Gerda Dietrich
Dear Lawyers,
I am reaching out to you as I have become a victim of online fraud and do not know how to proceed. My name is Xenia Hentschel and recently I came across a fraudulent website where I ordered an article. Unfortunately, I never received a delivery and the seller is not responding to my messages.
I feel very helpless and wonder what steps I should take now. Should I report the incident to the police? How can I reclaim my money? Are there ways to hold the fraudster accountable?
I am worried about my money and question if I even have a chance to enforce my rights. I have already tried to contact the seller, but without success. I do not know how to proceed and hope for your support.
Could you please explain to me what legal steps I can take to pursue the fraudster? What evidence should I gather and how can I best present my case? I would be very grateful if you could provide me with your expertise.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Xenia Hentschel
Dear Mrs. Hentschel,
I understand your concerns and frustrations about the online fraud you have fallen victim to. It is important for you to know that there are legal steps you can take to take action against the scammer and reclaim your money.
First and foremost, it is advisable to report the incident to the police. Online fraud is a criminal offense and the police can help investigate the case and hold the perpetrator accountable. When filing the report, you should provide all relevant information, such as the website where you ordered the item, communication with the seller, and any payment evidence.
Furthermore, you can try to reclaim your money by contacting your bank or credit card provider. Banks and credit card companies often offer protection against fraudulent transactions and can assist you in reversing the payment. It is important to provide all relevant documents and evidence for this process.
If you wish to take further legal action, you can also consult a lawyer. A lawyer can help you assert your claims and legally hold the scammer accountable. The lawyer can also assist you in gathering all necessary documents and representing your case in court.
It is important to collect all evidence that proves the fraud, such as screenshots of the fraudulent website, emails or messages with the seller, and all payment evidence. The more evidence you have, the better you can defend your rights.
Finally, I would advise you to remain patient and not give up. Even though it may seem difficult at times, there are legal options to address online fraud. I hope my response has been helpful to you and I am available for any further questions.
Sincerely,
Gerda Dietrich
