Scammers in Vilnius and the Trakai district have reportedly swindled approximately 29,000 euros from unsuspecting victims, including an elderly woman whom they impersonated as police officers.
According to the Vilnius District Police Headquarters, a woman born in 1952 reported that on February 21 in Vilnius, unknown individuals managed to illegally withdraw 10,961 euros from her bank account through unspecified means. Earlier in February, another woman, aged 76, fell victim to a scam on February 13 when an individual claiming to be a police officer deceived her over a mobile application call, extracting 4,100 euros. This incident highlights a concerning trend in scams targeting the elderly, particularly those who are vulnerable to impersonation tactics.
In addition to the previous cases, the police noted that two other women have also been victimized by scammers who posed as police officers and officials from electricity services and tax inspection. One woman reported losing 6,160 euros during a phone call when scammers impersonated various authorities. This series of incidents emphasizes the growing issue of fraudulent schemes in Lithuania, especially as changes in the second pension pillar create new opportunities for scammers to exploit unsuspecting individuals, particularly the elderly.
The Vilnius District Police Headquarters is urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious calls or messages. They offer advice on how to recognize scams and avoid being tricked by deceivers. As these scams continue to increase in sophistication, especially targeting vulnerable populations like the elderly, community awareness and police intervention will be crucial in addressing this threat effectively.
