Information fraud as a challenge for civil society in Ukraine

Abstract

Background: On the Internet today, we can come across numerous fraudulent technologies that are considered electronic crimes. One of the cyber fraud subspecies, information fraud, is not only undefined in Ukrainian legislation but is generally little studied in the domestic scientific discourse. The lack of scientific research and the legislative framework is one of the reasons for the prevalence of this phenomenon in Ukrainian society, which brings serious harm to citizens, especially during the war in Ukraine. Purpose: To consider information fraud in terms of its impact on civil society in Ukraine. Methods: In the course of the work, general scientific methods were used: analysis for a detailed study of the scientists works on the selected topic and synthesis to determine the essence of the concept of “information fraud” and its features. The classification method was used to organize and structure information. Results: Information fraud can be interpreted as manipulative socio-political Internet technology, as online fraudsters, using certain manipulation strategies and tactics, sell information that has no practical value. In our opinion, during the war in Ukraine, this kind of fraudster is a big problem for society, on par with other widespread cybercrimes, because they can lead to various negative social consequences and even the death of a person. Conclusion: Positive tendencies in the development of Ukraine's civil society may be seen in the public's engagement and the population's response to the issue of information fraud. On the other hand, one of the obstacles to the creation of such a society is the pervasiveness of information fraud and cybercrime in general. Keywords: cyber fraud, information fraud, socio-political Internet technology, civil society, manipulation