---
title: "Internet Fraud Defense"
url: "https://legal.ge/en/service/crim-criminal-law-en/internet-fraud-defense-en"
field: "Criminal Law"
description: "Criminal defense for online scams and internet fraud charges in Georgia. Protect your rights with Legal.ge lawyers."
reviewed: "2026-07-09"
updated: "2026-10-28"
publisher: "legal.ge"
---

# Internet Fraud Defense

> Source: legal.ge, https://legal.ge/en/service/crim-criminal-law-en/internet-fraud-defense-en

Internet fraud involves deceitfully acquiring another person's property or property rights using the internet or digital platforms. In Georgia, this act is punishable under **Article 180 of the Criminal Code** (Fraud). The development of digital technologies has diversified the forms of fraud: phishing, fake online stores, romance scams, investment pyramids, and cryptocurrency schemes. The essence of the crime lies in gaining the victim's trust and misleading them so that they voluntarily transfer money or disclose financial data. Charges of internet fraud are often complex, involving international transactions and anonymous communication. Defendants often need to prove that their actions were legitimate business activities rather than intentional deceit.

## What Does Internet Fraud Defense Service Cover?

Lawyers on Legal.ge offer comprehensive legal assistance, including:

-   **Financial Transaction Analysis:** Examining bank transfers and crypto operations to confirm the legitimacy of funds movement.
-   **Disproving Intent (Mens Rea):** Building a defense strategy around the fact that the accused did not intend to deceive (e.g., business failure rather than fraud).
-   **Digital Communication Audit:** Analyzing emails and messenger correspondence to prove that the client was informed about the risks.
-   **Negotiation with Victims:** Agreeing on compensation for damages, which can mitigate the sentence or terminate the case in certain instances.
-   **International Case Management:** Defending against extradition procedures if fraud charges originate from abroad.

## Common Situations and Scenarios

Internet fraud charges are often related to:

-   **Online Trading:** When a seller receives money but does not send the item, or sends a different product.
-   **Employment Scams:** Demanding money for "employment fees" or "visas" without a real job offer.
-   **Phishing:** Sending fake emails in the name of a bank or organization to steal passwords.
-   **Crypto Investments:** Promising high returns on a non-existent cryptocurrency platform.

## Georgian Legal Framework

The main statute is **Article 180 of the Criminal Code of Georgia** (Fraud). Punishment ranges from fines to 10 years imprisonment, depending on the amount of damage and group involvement. Using the internet as a means to commit the crime does not change the qualification but complicates the investigation. Article 285 (Obtaining property rights using computer data/systems) is also relevant. It is crucial for the defendant that the defense distinguishes between a business dispute and a criminal offense.

## Step-by-Step Service Process

Cooperation with a lawyer includes:

-   **Risk Assessment:** Analyzing the severity of charges and the strength of evidence.
-   **Evidence Securing:** Collecting contracts, invoices, and communication history.
-   **Procedural Defense:** Attending interrogations and representing in court.

## Why Choose a Specialist on Legal.ge?

Internet fraud cases often border between civil disputes and criminal law. Lawyers on Legal.ge will help you prove that there was only a breach of contractual obligations rather than a crime, avoiding criminal liability.

### What penalty does part 1 of Article 180 provide for internet fraud?

Fraud – the unlawful appropriation of another's property or the acquisition of a property right by deception – is punished by a fine, community service from one hundred and seventy to two hundred hours, corrective labor for up to two years, house arrest from one to two years, or imprisonment from two to four years.

### Which circumstances aggravate liability?

Commission by a group with prior conspiracy and the causing of significant damage under part 2; use of an official position, a large amount and commission more than once under part 3; commission by an organized group, or by a person twice or more previously convicted of unlawful appropriation or extortion, under part 4 – imprisonment from seven to ten years.

### Is every unperformed online transaction fraud?

No. A crime exists where deception and the aim of appropriation are proven. If a person simply failed to perform a civil obligation and no intent to deceive is established, the matter may be treated as a civil dispute – this depends on the evidence.

### What does a lawyer examine in such a case?

The correctness of the qualification, the proof of deception and of the aim of appropriation, the evidence on the amount of damage, and whether the aggravating circumstances – group commission and repetition – actually exist.

### Why do I need a lawyer in an Article 180 case?

The penalty ranges from a fine to ten years of imprisonment and depends directly on the qualification. Timely engagement of a lawyer often determines whether the case proceeds under criminal law at all.