In recent days, Lithuanian authorities have reported a surge in scams targeting unsuspecting residents, primarily through phone calls from individuals posing as police officers and company representatives. Notably, on February 17, a 75-year-old man from Vilnius fell victim to a scammer who communicated in Russian and falsely identified himself as a police officer, ultimately stealing 15,000 euros from his bank account after obtaining his card details. This incident appeared to be part of a broader trend, with multiple reports emerging in a short period that indicate organized fraudulent activity aimed at exploiting vulnerable citizens.

Another victim, a 85-year-old woman from Trakai, reported that between January 23 and 29, she received multiple calls from scammers impersonating various officials, including those from an electricity supply company and a bank. The deceptive tactics used by these callers resulted in her losing not just money but also her gold jewelry, totaling losses of 36,204 euros. The police have been alerted to these incidents, highlighting a growing concern about the targeting of elderly individuals who may be more susceptible to such scams due to their potential unfamiliarity with technology or hesitation in doubting authority figures on the phone.

Law enforcement agencies in Lithuania are now urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious calls, as the frequency of these scams poses a significant threat to community safety and financial security. The scams reflect a broader issue of cybercrime in the region, necessitating increased awareness and precautionary measures among residents to protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Police are conducting investigations to identify and apprehend the perpetrators behind these scams, emphasizing the need for community cooperation in combating this growing threat.