A NEW MODEL FOR PREVENTING DIGITAL FRAUD: THE MAHALLA-BASED APPROACH, ANTI-FRAUD MECHANISMS AND PROSPECTS FOR VICTIMOLOGICAL PROTECTION

Abstract

The article analyzes the criminal-law, criminological, victimological and preventive features of fraud committed through the use of information technologies. This form of crime is assessed not merely as a modern digital manifestation of traditional fraud, but as a complex criminological phenomenon related to banking, telecommunications, electronic payments, online lending, social networks, mahalla-based prevention and the digital behavior of the population. Based on the content and essence of Resolution No. RP–1 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated 5 January 2026, the article examines, in connection with the prevention of cyber fraud, such issues as the principle of a “Prosperous and Safe Mahalla”, the “Week of Social Prevention”, targeted work with “red-category” mahallas, the activities of the “mahalla seven”, objects of social prevention and mechanisms of interagency cooperation. Through the analysis of judicial practice materials, information technologies, mobile communications, SIM cards, Face ID, online loans, the creation of trust through official status and psychological pressure are assessed as practical mechanisms of fraud. The author substantiates the need not to limit cyber fraud prevention to the strengthening of punishment, but to introduce mechanisms such as “delayed decision-making”, a “risk index”, a “visual trust indicator”, a mahalla-based cyber risk map, anti-fraud cooperation between banks and telecommunications operators, and digital literacy programs.