Koprivnica Pensioner Scammed by Fake Soldier
An unknown person gained the trust of a 74-year-old woman through social media by impersonating someone else, then asked her for money for alleged packages containing savings.
An unknown person gained the trust of a 74-year-old woman through social media by impersonating someone else, then asked her for money for alleged packages containing savings.
Police officers from the Koprivnica Police Station received a criminal complaint from a 74-year-old pensioner from the Koprivnica area, suspecting that fraud had been committed against her. According to the information established so far, the woman lost several thousand euros after falling for the story of a person who falsely presented themselves as a soldier abroad.
The fraudsters contacted the victim via social media and, with the aim of obtaining unlawful financial gain, gained her trust by misrepresenting facts and deceiving her. Once trust was established, the woman was asked for financial assistance, citing various costs related to packages.
As the Police Administration pointed out, the unknown person told a story that the packages allegedly contained US dollars that she had saved, and that she needed help to access them.
"The victim was contacted via social media by an unknown person. With the aim of obtaining unlawful financial gain for themselves, they gained her trust through misrepresentation and deception. The person introduced themselves as a soldier stationed abroad. After gaining her trust, they asked for financial help, citing various costs related to packages. These packages allegedly contained US dollars that they had saved, and they needed help to access them," the Police Administration stated.
Believing the claims, the 74-year-old made multiple payments to different accounts, resulting in losses of several thousand euros. Police officers are continuing the criminal investigation to establish all the circumstances of this incident.
On this occasion, the police once again appealed to citizens to exercise increased caution when communicating via social media and messaging apps. They emphasize that fraudsters often impersonate others to gain trust, then lead their victims to transfer money using various fabricated circumstances and needs.
