Retiree from Lika Defrauded of Over €24,000
An unknown person posed as a broker and promised profits from stock investments.
An unknown person posed as a broker and promised profits from stock investments.
On August 12, 2026, officers of the Karlobag Police Station received a report from a 75-year-old Croatian citizen, who reported a suspected fraud. The victim, a retiree, lost his savings after months of transferring money to an individual posing as a broker.
According to the police report, the victim contacted an unknown person via a social network, who deceived him with promises of earnings through stock investments. Between May and August 2026, believing he was investing in stocks, he transferred money via mobile banking and financial institutions, while being shown non-existent profits.
After realizing he had been defrauded of more than €24,000, he reported the incident to the police. This is yet another case of fraud through online platforms where fake brokers pose as investment experts, with the elderly being the most common victims, often seeking ways to supplement their income.
The Lika-Senj Police Department has urged citizens to be cautious when communicating online with unknown individuals, especially regarding investments, payments, and quick profits. In a statement, they said: "Beware of false promises of safe and quick earnings; do not send money to unverified individuals or companies, and never share your personal, banking, or security details, nor your computer, internet, or mobile banking access credentials."
The police continuously warn citizens to verify the credibility of individuals and companies offering investment opportunities and to avoid sharing personal information on social networks.
