REPORTING ONLINE FRAUD

With the growing use of the internet, it is important to pay special attention to fake ads, profiles, websites, and messages that may mislead you. Citizens should remain cautious, as such fraud schemes are often used to gain unlawful financial benefit, which constitutes a criminal offense.

To protect yourself and assist the competent authorities in combating such crimes, it is essential to report any suspicious activity properly. Anyone who suspects that a criminal offense has been committed may file a criminal complaint.

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BEFORE FILING A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT

Before submitting a report, make sure to collect and preserve all evidence that may be useful in further proceedings. For example:
• screenshots of conversations, profiles, or suspicious websites;
• links to ads, pages, or online profiles;
• contact details such as phone numbers, email addresses, or other identifiers.

If a payment has been made, keep all payment confirmations, receipts, and messages containing information about the transactions.

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WHERE AND HOW TO FILE A REPORT

Under Article 281 of the Criminal Procedure Code, a criminal complaint may be filed with the competent public prosecutor’s office:
• in writing (by submitting in person, by post, or by email);
• orally (a statement will be recorded by the duty prosecutor);
• by telephone (a written record will be made).

A report can be submitted to any prosecutor’s office, which will forward it to the competent one.
In cases of cyber-related crimes, the competent authority is:

Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade – Special Department for Combating High-Tech Crime
📍 Bulevar kralja Aleksandra I Karađorđevića 17a
✉ vtk@vtk.jt.rs

A report can also be submitted to the Ministry of Interior (MUP) – Department for High-Tech Crime:
📞 ‪+381 11 274 39 28‬ / ‪+381 11 357 33 67‬
✉ vtk@mup.gov.rs

If the fraud involves payment transactions, notify your bank immediately to block or recover the transferred funds.
In cases of online purchases, you may also contact the Market Inspectorate at:
✉ podnesiprijavu@must.gov.rs

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WHAT THE REPORT SHOULD INCLUDE

The criminal complaint should contain:
• personal information (if not submitted anonymously);
• a detailed description of the event (when, where, and how it happened);
• all available evidence or information indicating the existence of a criminal offense (links, photos, documents, etc.).

It is not necessary to provide a legal qualification of the offense.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you may still submit a report, but include as much relevant information as possible.

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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SUBMITTING THE REPORT

After submission, the public prosecutor’s office and the police will review the complaint to determine whether there are grounds for prosecution. You may be contacted later for additional information or clarification.

To support the ongoing investigation, you should preserve any new evidence related to the case and notify the authorities if new information arises.