Eastern Macedonia & Thrace Police issue warning over scams targeting elderly

The Hellenic Police Regional Directorate of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace has issued a public advisory following a recent rise in fraud attempts targeting elderly citizens across the region.

Authorities report that scammers are using various deceptive methods to trick victims into handing over money, often by posing as officials or exploiting emergency scenarios.

Common Fraud Tactics Identified
According to the advisory, perpetrators typically impersonate:

• Accountants, insurance agents, notaries, or public service employees requesting payments for alleged benefits, tax issues, or urgent financial obligations
• Medical professionals claiming a relative has been involved in a serious accident requiring immediate surgery
• Police officers alleging that a family member caused a traffic accident and must pay to avoid arrest
• Officials also warn against individuals who attempt to gain access to homes under false pretenses, or request sensitive banking information such as PIN codes or card details.

Key Safety Recommendations
Authorities strongly advise citizens:

• Not to trust unsolicited requests from unknown individuals claiming to represent institutions
• Never to share banking passwords, PIN codes, or personal financial information
• To remain cautious of strangers attempting to enter their homes
• To independently verify any claims by directly contacting relevant authorities
• To immediately report suspected fraud or attempted scams to emergency number 100 or the nearest police station
• The regional police emphasized that these scams are increasingly targeting vulnerable elderly citizens and urged families to inform and protect their relatives against such tactics.