Con artist got money and jewelry out of woman by pretending to be a doctor
CORFU. Advice and guidelines from Ionian Islands Regional Police regarding scam phone calls.
Another report of a fraud incident was received by the Corfu Police, in which con artists managed to deceive and take money and valuables from an unsuspecting woman.
On Saturday, 5 August, the perpetrator called a 69-year-old woman, pretending to be a doctor from Corfu Hospital. He falsely claimed that a close relative of hers was involved in an accident and in critical condition, urgently needing surgery, and asked for a sum of money.
The victim was convinced by the arguments of the perpetrator and his accomplices. Subsequently, at a predetermined location and time, she left the sum of 1,400 Euros and gold items worth approximately 1,000 Euros, which were taken by the fraudsters.
In order to prevent and avoid scam incidents, the Ionian Islands General Regional Police Directorate advises the following:
- Be extremely cautious when unknown individuals call you and try to persuade you to give them money, claiming that a relative of yours has caused a traffic accident.
- In such cases, always try to contact your relative directly by phone to confirm what is being claimed.
- Initiate any communication using your own phone and refrain from speaking with a person who was contacted by the unknown individuals.
- Do not agree to meet them (for appointments etc.) under any circumstances.
- Clearly state that you will not give them any money.
- Let your close friends and relatives know (both immediate and extended family, friends and social circles), especially the elderly, and advise them to avoid being deceived by swindlers.
- Try to remember the characteristics of the perpetrators if they come in contact with you, as well as the details of their vehicles (licence plate number, make, colour etc.) to assist the investigating authorities.
- Always keep emergency phone numbers readily available, such as those for the Police, Fire Department, Hospitals and close relatives, in case of need.
We urge members of the public an, organisations to inform the elderly, so they can be particularly cautious and, in any case, even in the event of an attempted fraud, immediately contact the police on the three-digit phone number 100.
For more advice on avoiding scams, you can visit the official website of the Hellenic Police (www.hellenicpolice.gr) in the Citizen's Guide section and the Cybercrime Department (https://cyberalert.gr).
