Police warn of ongoing scams targeting residents in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace

Police in Greece’s Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region have warned residents about ongoing fraud cases in which scammers use false pretences to steal money, particularly from elderly people.

In a public advisory published on 14 October 2026, the General Regional Police Directorate of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace urged citizens to remain vigilant against individuals impersonating professionals, public officials, doctors and police officers to gain access to homes or demand money.

According to the police, fraudsters use fabricated emergencies and misleading claims involving financial benefits, tax exemptions, refunds, unpaid debts and technical repairs to deceive unsuspecting victims.

SCAMMERS IMPERSONATE OFFICIALS AND PROFESSIONALS
Police warned residents not to trust unsolicited visitors claiming to represent electricity companies, accounting or insurance offices, notaries, technical services or public institutions.

Such individuals may claim they need to repair a fault, arrange a social benefit, process a refund, record valuables for insurance purposes or complete a property transaction.

Authorities advised residents not to accept these claims at face value, particularly when they have not contacted the relevant service themselves.

FRAUDSTERS USE FALSE MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
Another reported tactic involves scammers posing as doctors or police officers and claiming that a relative has been involved in a road accident.

In some cases, the perpetrators allegedly demand urgent payment for surgery or claim that money is needed to prevent the arrest of a relative who supposedly injured someone in a crash.

Police urged residents to verify such claims independently and avoid handing over money to unknown individuals based on alleged emergencies.

POLICE ISSUE SAFETY GUIDANCE
The authorities have issued the following recommendations to help prevent fraud:

• Do not disclose bank card PINs or confidential banking credentials to anyone, under any circumstances.
• Be cautious of strangers seeking entry to your home, especially if they claim to represent a company or public institution without prior contact.
• Verify unexpected requests for money by contacting the relevant institution or family member through a trusted channel.
• Report fraud immediately, including attempted scams, by calling Greece’s police emergency number, 100, or contacting the local police station.
• The police stressed the importance of reporting suspicious activity and remaining alert to deceptive approaches designed to exploit people's trust or concern for their relatives.

Source: Thraki.com.gr, citing guidance from the General Regional Police Directorate of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.