The primary victims of fraudsters are the most socially vulnerable segments of the population, among whom are elderly people.
Recently, there have been more reports that pensioners voluntarily hand over large sums of money to fraudsters. The scheme is always the same; an elderly person receives a call from a "daughter" or "granddaughter" who urgently needs help. There can be many reasons, but to resolve the difficult situation, trusting pensioners are asked for money. The victim falls for the deception, and a courier arrives at their home to collect the package with the money. In other cases, the amount of assistance is requested to be transferred to a bank account. More often, criminals call landlines during the daytime on weekdays when all relatives are at work, and there is a high probability that an elderly citizen will answer the call. When the pensioner picks up the phone, the fraudsters try to imitate the voice of a close relative. Some victims realize that the voice of the caller does not resemble that of their relative. In such cases, the fraudsters explain this, for example, by saying they were involved in a terrible accident. They claim that they have lost their teeth or have injured their lips. The "relative" says that they have become the cause of a terrible traffic accident. Now they could be held criminally liable, but the issue can be resolved on the spot. Then the phone is handed over to an accomplice, who may introduce themselves as an investigator and demand a large sum of money so that the "relative" can avoid responsibility. Fraudsters extort large sums of money. If the victim says they do not have the amount of money requested by the fraudsters, they agree to a smaller sum. The victim is told that someone will come for the money. In other cases, the amount is requested to be transferred to a bank account. If the victim agrees to go to the bank, the fraudsters maintain contact with them until the last moment to prevent them from consulting.
If the victim agrees to hand over the money, an accomplice of the crime comes for it. Often, the organizers attract citizens who want to earn money quickly. The fact that money is handed over in a package by elderly people should raise suspicion among those eager to make quick money.
If citizens are offered to participate in such a scheme, it is necessary to immediately contact the police to avoid becoming an accomplice. Firstly, it cannot be the case that law enforcement officers call and demand any sums of money. Secondly, one should not engage in dialogue. It is necessary to terminate the dialogue and call back the relative that the fraudsters claimed to be. If it is not possible to reach the relative, it is necessary to report this call to the police.
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