An elderly woman in Pella fell victim to a phone scam, with the perpetrators taking 15,000 euros and three gold coins from her, according to a police statement. The woman received threats from the scammers, who exploited her sense of insecurity.
One man was arrested Wednesday (August 19) by officers from the Edessa` Crime Prevention and Detection Department in connection with the case. His accomplices are still being sought.
The perpetrators contacted the elderly woman by phone on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 18. First, an accomplice of the arrested man threatened her, then a woman posing as a police officer got in touch with her.
That woman, who is also being sought, claimed she wanted to protect the victim from criminals. She managed to convince the woman to gather her money and hand it over to an accomplice.
Through this scheme, the scammers took 15,000 euros and three gold coins. The man who was arrested reportedly received the money and valuables.
Police found and seized 930 euros and a mobile phone in his possession. His car was also seized as the vehicle used to carry out the scam.
The police investigation continues to identify the remaining accomplices and to determine whether they’re linked to other similar cases.
The arrested man is expected to appear before the Edessa Public Prosecutor, with a case file compiled against him.
Police remind the public not to trust strangers who call claiming various official roles. They urge people not to reveal whether they keep money or valuables at home, and to notify police immediately, even in the case of an attempted scam.
