Features of distinguishing fraud and fraud with financial resources

The article addresses the issue of distinguishing between fraud and financial fraud in the context of contemporary criminal activity. The relevance of the study is determined by the need to develop effective strategies to counter these phenomena. Fraud involves deceptive activities aimed at illegal enrichment, whereas financial fraud is directed towards obtaining financial funds or assets. Despite their similarity, it is important to differentiate between these concepts. The study analyzes the peculiarities of differentiation and establishes their demarcation boundaries. The main goal is to analyze and investigate these differences. According to Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, fraud is understood as the appropriation of someone else’s property or the acquisition of property rights through deception or abuse of trust. According to Article 222 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, fraud involving financial resources is defined as providing knowingly false information to government authorities, authorities of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, or local self-government bodies, banks, or other creditors in order to obtain subsidies, subventions, grants, loans, or tax benefits in the absence of elements of a property crime. The article also provides a detailed analysis of the concepts of both phenomena, defines their key characteristics and properties. Special attention is paid to identifying the main risks and consequences associated with both types of fraud. The study focuses on the factors and mechanisms used by fraudsters in each of the specified areas, as well as methods that can be applied to prevent and detect them. The conclusions of this work will contribute to a deeper understanding of the essence and manifestations of fraud, which in turn will help develop more effective strategies to counteract such criminal phenomena in society. The conclusions of the article emphasize the importance of legal, regulatory, and technological control mechanisms to prevent these phenomena and maintain trust in financial systems.