In Preveza, an “accountant” defrauded a pensioner of 16,600 euros

In Preveza, an elderly woman lost 16,600 euros after a call from a scammerwho introduced himself as an accountant and threatened her with a possible fine from the tax office.

According to Greek Policethe scam itself took place on June 10 in the Preveza area, but the results of the investigation were published on September 3.

An unknown person called an elderly woman and introduced himself as her accountant.

He convinced her that the money she kept at home supposedly counted undeclared and because of this, the tax office may impose a large fine.

To supposedly avoid problems, the woman was offered to transfer cash to “employees” who were supposed to come to her.

As a result, the pensioner gave the scammer’s accomplices 16,600 euros.

The police found the accomplices’ car

During the investigation, members of the Preveza Crime Investigation Department identified a Greek citizen whose car was used by people who came to collect money.

The investigation to identify the remaining participants in the scheme continues.

‘False accountant’ scheme repeated throughout Greece

The peculiarity of this case is that we are not talking about a new scheme.

In recent months, police have repeatedly reported almost identical cases: criminals call elderly people, introduce themselves as an accountant or his assistant and claim that money and jewelry in the house must be “declared”, “photographed” or handed over for inspection.

In July in Pieria, scammers used this method to obtain from an elderly woman 2,500 euros and jewelry worth about 4,000 euros. Another investigation involved two pensioners who were robbed of cash, nine gold coins and jewelry with a total value of over 20,000 euros.

And on September 4, the police announced the liquidation of another criminal group, whose members acted under the guise accountants and employees of ΔΕΔΔΗΕ.

What the police advise

The Greek police separately warn citizens, especially the elderly, not to trust people who introduce themselves over the phone as accountants, tax officials, energy companies or relatives.

A real accountant does not send an unknown person home for cash or jewelry.

In addition, the police recommend:

• do not tell strangers how much money or valuables are kept at home;
• do not give money to people who present themselves as “accountant assistants”;
• call your accountant back on your own using a known number;
• if possible, use another phone, as scammers sometimes try to hold the line;
• inform the police even about an unsuccessful attempt to deceive.

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