İskeçe: Warning about fraud – Calls pretending to collect donations for wheelchairs

There have been multiple cases where fraudsters pose as individuals collecting money for charitable causes but are actually exploiting people’s goodwill. The perpetrators take advantage of the public’s sensitivity to serious social issues, such as traffic accidents, to solicit money.

According to reports, the fraudsters claim to be calling from a traffic accident department (with a Thessaloniki area code) and inform unsuspecting citizens that representatives of their association will be in town in the coming days, collecting money to purchase wheelchairs through lottery tickets priced at €10 each.

Warning! We are not conducting any fundraising for traffic accident victims – A joint statement from four associations advocating for road safety and the defense of victims of traffic crimes.

Following recent reports from various parts of the country (Heraklion, Corinth, Athens), a professional fundraising campaign is being carried out by supposed supporters of traffic accident victims. They distribute leaflets marked “distributed for free” and ask for financial contributions to support the “victims' actions.”

This scam, which has been ongoing across the country for years (reports have also come from Ikaria, Rhodes, Neapoli Crete, Chania, Thessaloniki, etc.), involves professionals working in the "sector" and has previously led to arrests for illegal fundraising (in Makrakomi Lamia, Stavroupoli Thessaloniki, and other locations). Unfortunately, this illegal activity continues to grow rather than stop.

Traffic crimes, sadly, have become a source of profit for many.

Exploiting people’s willingness to contribute to such an important cause for personal gain is not only illegal but deeply unethical.

If approached by these individuals, please contact the police immediately.