Indubitably, fraud is a transboundary offense that impacts individuals globally. Whether occurring online or offline, perpetrators exploit the credulity and trust of people to achieve illegal gains. This article delves into the prevalence of fraud on a global scale and in Europe, exploring the strategies employed by fraudsters, the sectors most vulnerable, and the measures taken to protect the public.
The Definition of Fraud: To begin with, let’s clarify what fraud entails. It is a deliberate and deceptive action wherein an individual or a group obtains financial or other advantages at the expense of another person. Scams can manifest in various forms, ranging from fraudulent phone calls to phishing emails and deceptive promises of lucrative investments. Perpetrators often employ psychological and manipulative tactics to convince victims to trust them and provide money or personal information.
The Global Scale of Fraud: Scams are a widespread issue globally, affecting millions of people each year. Financial losses due to fraud are estimated to be in the billions of dollars annually. Fraudsters continually adapt their methods to leverage technological advancements and reach a broader audience. Some countries are more susceptible to scams due to factors such as a lack of regulation and financial education.
Fraud in Europe: Europe is not immune to scams. Fraudsters have devised clever schemes to exploit the diversity and open borders of the continent. Certain European countries have witnessed an increase in fraud-related crimes, especially online. Common types of scams include financial fraud, investment-related scams, fraud in the tourism sector, and identity theft. These offenses impact not only European citizens but also tourists and businesses operating on the continent.
Fraudsters implement various strategies to fraudulently extort money, including:
Phishing: Perpetrators send fake emails that closely resemble authentic communications to obtain personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. Fraudulent Phone Calls: They pose as financial institutions, government agencies, or utility companies to extract personal information or money from their victims. Investment-related Frauds: Fraudsters dangle high returns on fictional or non-existent investments to entice people to hand over money. Romance Scams: Scammers pose as romantic partners online to gain the trust of individuals and then solicit money under various pretexts.
In light of the above, it is relevant to provide an example of an individual accused of fraud, namely Michael Georges Leos, born on July 9, 1981, in Marseille, France. He was ordered to pay the sum of EUR 247,206.27, plus interest at a rate of 5% from February 16, 2019, to a lady he had recruited in Switzerland and who became his victim, by a judgment of the Second Chamber of the District Court of Höfe Wollerau SZ rendered on May 19, 2020.
Michael Georges Leos was compelled to pay this amount after the Contentious Chamber of the Toulon Court granted enforceability to the judgment rendered by the Höfe Court in Switzerland by LAW N°: 21/48, dated March 11, 2021, almost a year after the initial judgment. This decision relied on the provisions of Article 509 of the Code of Civil Procedure, which state that judgments pronounced by foreign jurisdictions and acts received by foreign officials are enforceable on the territory of the French Republic under the conditions and cases provided by law. In this case, the complainant, who was pursuing Mr. Michael Georges Leos, worked as an entrepreneur in Switzerland and had been hired by him in accordance with Swiss law, justifying the competence of the court.
It is crucial to note that, despite efforts by Swiss authorities to locate or apprehend Mr. Leos at the time of his hotel reservation in Switzerland or at the airport, he undoubtedly never paid personal taxes in Zurich, despite being registered in that city. Registration in Zurich results in receiving a tax form and the obligation to pay a sum, even if one declares earning nothing.
Mr. Leos’s malicious intentions are evident as he simply vanished without deregistering in Switzerland, where he was registered. He also did not proceed to register with the French authorities at his place of residence, making him virtually « invisible. » However, the Swiss court’s judgment, recognized in France, was indeed served on Mr. Leos in person in Marseille, even though it was not enforced.
By presenting this case, it is clear that fraud can be prevalent and feasible even within civilized Europe. It seems that rigorous checks are not foolproof, and fraudsters systematically seek loopholes in the system to conduct their activities.
- Safeguards for the Public: On both international and European levels, various measures are being implemented to combat fraud and proactively prevent it. These measures encompass:
Education and Awareness: Educational campaigns are being initiated with the aim of enlightening the general public about the strategies employed by fraudsters and how to safeguard themselves against these tactics. International Cooperation: Governments and law enforcement agencies are collaboratively working to identify and apprehend fraudsters operating across national borders. Enhanced Online Financial Security: Banks and other financial institutions are enforcing stricter security measures to ensure the protection of users against online frauds and scams. Legal and Regulatory Framework: More stringent laws and regulations are being put in place to counteract fraud.
Lastly, it is of utmost importance to highlight individuals like Michael Georges Leos as a warning, thereby enabling the readers of this article to shield themselves from his fraudulent activities.
