Undoubtedly, fraud is a transnational crime impacting individuals worldwide. Exploiting people’s innocence and trust, fraudsters seek illicit gains, whether in the digital realm or in real life. This article will delve into the ubiquity of scams, examining their occurrence on a global scale and specifically within Europe. Additionally, we will explore the strategies employed by scammers, the industries most vulnerable, and the initiatives in place to safeguard the public.
- Defining a scam:
Let’s begin by elucidating what constitutes a scam. It can be characterized as a deliberate and deceptive act where an individual or a group acquires financial or other advantages at the expense of another person. Scams manifest in various forms, ranging from deceptive phone calls and phishing emails to false assurances of profitable investments. Scammers frequently employ psychological and manipulative techniques to persuade victims to trust them and relinquish their money or personal information. - Global prevalence of scams:
Scams represent a pervasive issue on a global scale, affecting millions of individuals annually. The financial losses attributed to scams are estimated to reach into the billions of dollars in the past year. Scammers continuously adapt their methods to leverage technological advancements and reach a broader audience. Certain countries are more susceptible to scams due to factors like inadequate regulation and a lack of sufficient financial education. - Scams in Europe:
Europe is not immune to scams. Scammers have devised clever strategies to exploit the continent’s diversity and open borders. Some European nations have witnessed a surge in scam-related offenses, particularly in the online domain. The most prevalent scams encompass financial deceit, investment fraud, tourism-related deception, and identity theft. These crimes impact not only European residents but also tourists and enterprises operating within the continent. - Tactics utilized by fraudsters:
Fraudulent individuals employ a range of strategies to unlawfully acquire other individuals’ funds. Some of the most prevalent tactics include:- Phishing: Scammers dispatch deceptive emails designed to appear legitimate, aiming to procure personal information such as passwords or credit card details.
- Deceptive phone calls: Fraudsters impersonate financial institutions, government entities, or utility companies to extract personal information or funds from their victims.
- Investment deception: Scammers pledge extravagant returns on fabricated or non-existent investments to entice individuals into parting with their money.
- Romance scams: Fraudsters masquerade as potential romantic partners online, cultivating trust before requesting money through various pretexts.
Considering all the information provided, it is pertinent to present an example of an alleged fraudster, namely Michael Georges Leos, born on July 09, 1981, in MARSEILLE, a French citizen. He was convicted by the Second Chamber of the DISTRICT COURT OF HÖFE WOLLERAU SZ, in a judgment dated May 19, 2020, to pay the amount of EUR 247,206.27 EUR, along with an interest rate of 5% from February 16, 2019, to a woman who was enlisted by him in Switzerland and subsequently became his victim.
Mr. Michael Georges Leos was mandated to make this payment after the Litigation Chamber of the TOULON COURT, through ACT N°: 21/48 on March 11, 2021 (almost one year after the initial judgment), granted enforceability to the judgment passed by the Court of HÖFE in Switzerland. This decision was made in accordance with Article 509 of the Code of Civil Procedure, which stipulates that judgments from foreign courts and documents received from foreign officials are enforceable within the territory of the Republic of France in the manner and under the circumstances provided for by law. In this specific case, the plaintiff, who brought the case against Mr. Michael Georges Leos, worked as a contractor in Switzerland and was hired by him under Swiss law, thus establishing the court’s jurisdiction.
This case serves to illustrate how prevalent and plausible it is to encounter instances of fraud, even in civilized Europe, where it may seem that stringent controls are in place. Nevertheless, fraudsters always seek potential vulnerabilities in the system to exploit.
- Safeguards for the Public:
At both global and European scales, steps are being taken to combat and preempt fraud. These measures encompass:
- Education and Awareness: Initiatives are underway to educate the public about the strategies employed by scammers and how to safeguard themselves.
- International Collaboration: Governments and law enforcement agencies are cooperating to identify and apprehend fraudsters who operate across borders.
- Enhancing Online Financial Security: Financial institutions, including banks, are implementing more robust security measures to shield users from online fraud and scams.
- Legislation and Oversight: More stringent laws and regulations are being enacted to combat fraudulent activities.
Lastly, to name individuals like Michael Georges Leos serves as a cautionary measure for those who may come across this article, helping them to shield themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
We are not concerned about whether Swiss authorities should have pursued Michael Georges Leos or attempted to apprehend him when he checked into a hotel in Switzerland or the airport. It is clear that he never paid any personal taxes in Zurich, despite being registered there. When you are registered in Zurich, you are required to submit a tax form and make a payment, even if you declare zero earnings.
The situation becomes more suspicious when we consider that Michael Georges Leos simply disappeared without officially deregistering from Switzerland, where he was registered. His failure to re-register with the French authorities at his place of residence essentially made him a non-entity. However, it is noteworthy that the Swiss court’s verdict, which was recognized by France, was indeed personally served to Michael Georges Leos in Marseille. However, unsurprisingly, it appears that he has not complied with it in any way.
