Police in Serres have cracked a phone scam ring that targeted four women in the city center, taking more than 50,000 euros in cash and jewelry combined. A 24-year-old man was identified as the one who allegedly picked up the stolen goods from the victims. The scams took place earlier this month, carried out in an organized, methodical way.

According to the police investigation, associates of the 24-year-old called the victims claiming to be technicians from the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DEDDIE). Using the excuse of a fault at the victim’s home, they convinced the women, most of them elderly, to gather their cash and jewelry and place it under the electrical panel for safekeeping until the supposed inspection was finished.

Using this method, on July 3 and July 6, the 24-year-old showed up at the women’s homes and made off with a combined 14,800 euros in cash and jewelry worth 40,000 euros.

Police say the investigation is continuing to identify the man’s accomplices and determine whether they may be linked to other similar fraud cases.