Victims of online credit fraud to be exempted from debt repayments

The process begins when a citizen, discovering that a microloan has been illegally obtained in their name, files an application with the internal affairs bodies. This triggers a pre-investigation check, an inquiry, and initial investigative actions. If these proceedings confirm that the loan was indeed processed by fraudsters, the investigator, prosecutor, or court issues an official document recognizing the citizen as a victim. This document is then forwarded to the credit organization that operates the information system through which the loan was issued.

Upon receipt of this document, the credit organization is required to immediately stop the accrual of interest, penalties, and fines on the specific loan. Furthermore, it must cease all collection efforts against the victim. If the organization has already deducted any funds from the individual to cover the microloan or related payments, these amounts must be returned to the victim’s bank card or specified account based on a court decision. Such refunds must be completed within fifteen days from the date the court ruling enters into legal force.

The regulation also provides safeguards for lenders. If a credit organization doubts the validity of the fraud claim, it reserves the right to appeal the findings of the investigation or the court decision to seek a re-examination of the evidence. If a subsequent review determines that no fraud took place, the organization is permitted to resume the accrual and collection of the loan and associated fees from the individual.

To recover the material damage from the actual perpetrator of the fraud, the credit organization is empowered to participate in the preliminary investigation and court proceedings as a civil plaintiff. Once the accused party is identified, the lender can file claims to recover the lost funds directly from the person responsible for the crime in an order of recourse.