They tried to extort a total of 135,000 euros from three elderly people in her area Imathiascammers pretending to be doctors and claiming that a relative of the people has been injured and needs the money to undergo surgery.

Their project was revealed when, following the immediate mobilization of the police officers of the Naoussa Security Department, a man was arrested who had gone to an old woman’s house to collect money.

Couple of minutes ago, his accomplice had asked the woman for the sum of 45,000 euros for a relative to undergo surgery. Finally, they managed to get the sum of 1,000 euros from her, which the arrested person took from her house. The amount, found in the possession of the arrested person, was returned to the victim. Also, a mobile phone was confiscated, as well as a vehicle he used for his illegal activity.

According to a Police announcement, further investigation revealed that in the last two days, the two men tried in the same way to defraud two other elderly people in the same area, asking them for a total of 90,000 euros, without however succeeding. The police investigations continue, both to identify their unknown accomplices, and to ascertain their possible participation in other similar criminal acts. The arrested person, with the case file filed against him, will be taken to the District Attorney of Veria.

Police tips to avoid being scammed

On the occasion of these incidents, the General Regional Police Directorate of Central Macedonia recommends to citizens:

  • Do not trust strangers, who try to convince them by phone to give them money, due to an urgent need of your relative – friend.
  • Do not take any action without first contacting the specific person by phone for confirmation.
  • Don’t be convinced if the perpetrators give them their alleged relative on the phone.
  • To use another telephone device to communicate with their loved one, as the perpetrators may still be on the “line”.
  • Not to accept any meeting – appointment with strangers and to declare that they are not going to give money.
  • Always have emergency phone numbers available (Police, Fire, hospitals, relatives, etc.).
  • Always inform the police, even in the event of an attempted fraud against them.

More tips are posted on the official website of the Hellenic Police (www.hellenicpolice.gr), in the “Citizen’s Guide / Useful Tips” section.