CRIMINALISTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF INTERNET FRAUD

Abstract

The aim of the article is to analyze the modern criminalistic situation of Internet fraud in Russia, as well as to identify the problems of detecting, uncovering and investigating these crimes committed using modern information technologies, including artificial intelligence technologies. The research methodology is based on an integrated approach to analyzing the content of the elements of criminalistic characteristics (the situation, methods of commission, typical traces, the identity of the victim and the identity of the offender), which makes it possible to develop effective measures to counteract cyber fraud. The study employs the universal dialectical method, general scientific methods (analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, system-structural, comparative), as well as specific scientific methods (formal-legal, comparative-legal and historical). The results of the study consist in the fact that, based on a generalization of investigative practice and analysis of scientific literature, the author reveals the main methods of committing fraud using information and telecommunication technologies (phishing, pharming, social engineering, deepfakes, offensive artificial intelligence), identifies the characteristics of the personality of modern cyber fraudsters and the socio-psychological characteristics of victims, and also outlines the resulting problems of detecting and investigating this type of crime. The discussion of the results substantiates that the private methodology for investigating fraud committed in the traditional way requires significant revision taking into account the specifics of the virtual environment. In addition, the problems related to the qualifications of law enforcement officers involved in the detection, uncovering and investigation of this type of crime are discussed, as well as the latency of cybercrimes, traffic anonymity and the difficulty of detecting digital traces. A set of measures is proposed aimed at improving the professional competence of investigators, improving legislation and implementing modern technological solutions. The conclusion proves that the indicated measures can contribute to increasing the effectiveness of solving and investigating crimes committed using modern information technologies.