Two cases of phone fraud and five attempted frauds that occurred recently were investigated in Pieria and Kozaniwhile a foreigner was arrested as part of a coordinated police operation.

As it emerged from the investigation, the arrested person together with at least three other unknown accomplices, formed a criminal organization, with continuous and structured action, with the aim of deceiving unsuspecting citizens and especially the elderly.

In fact, to make them more convincing, a member of the organization pretended to be their child on the phone, confirming his alleged injury and the immediate need to give the money they were asking for.

In this way, they managed to deceive two elderly people in Pieria and Kozani and extort money and jewelry from them.

In particular, six days ago they deceived an elderly woman in Katerini and convinced her to leave the sum of 8,100 US dollars, 25 gold pounds with a total value of 12,000 euros, as well as jewelry and other items with a total value of 18,000 euros, at a point indicated to her. which was then received by the arrested person.

In November 2023, they deceived an elderly man in Kozani and convinced him to drop the sum of 50,000 euros from the balcony of his house, which the arrested person received.

Also on January 26, 2024, within a few hours, they tried to defraud 5 more people in the city of Katerini, without, however, managing to get anything from them.

The sum of 175 euros, one American dollar and a mobile phone were found in the arrested person’s possession and confiscated.

Police recommendations to avoid telephone fraud

The General Regional Police Directorate of Central Macedonia, in order to avoid defrauding citizens by astute people, recommends:

Be especially wary when strangers try to convince you to pay a sum of money, under the pretext of an urgent need of a relative – friend (eg hospitalization). They may try the same over the phone. For the same reasons do not give in to invitations to meet (dates, etc.).

In cases where strangers invoke an emergency of a known relative, always seek to contact your known relative by phone to confirm what they invoke. The communication should be done with your own phone and on your own initiative and you should not accept to speak with a person who was called by strangers.

In any case, state that you are not going to hand over money if your acquaintances – relatives do not show up.

Do not under any circumstances accept unknown persons to lead you to a Credit Shop or ATM to withdraw a sum of money.

Do not be easily convinced by people who “approach” you as acquaintances of relatives and friends.

Be especially wary of unknown persons who attempt to enter your home under various pretexts and tricks.

Do not be persuaded by strangers who pose as employees of a Public Service or other body to fix a technical problem, if you have not previously called them.

Do not be convinced when strangers ask you to pay money for debts of acquaintances or relatives in public services or in shops – companies for buying goods – offering services.

It is pointed out that hospitals or public services do not use the practice of their employees going to homes or public places and asking citizens to pay money for services they provide.

Always have available the telephone numbers you need to contact in case of emergency (Police, Fire, Hospitals, close relatives, etc.).

Always inform the police authorities, even in the event of an attempted fraud against you.