Arta police identify three suspects in double telephone scam

Police in Arta have identified three individuals involved in a sophisticated double telephone scam targeting an elderly woman in a local village. The incident, which occurred on August 24, 2026, resulted in total losses exceeding 11,400 euros.

The scam unfolded in two stages. First, a perpetrator impersonating an accountant convinced the victim that her son owed a 4,000 euro fine. Following instructions, the woman left 1,380 euros in cash, jewelry worth approximately 2,000 euros, and her bank card outside her home for collection.

Hours later, a second perpetrator posing as a police officer contacted the woman, claiming to be assisting her with a fraud report. Under this pretext, the scammer obtained her personal details, including her tax ID, identity card number, and bank card PIN. This allowed the suspects to withdraw 8,000 euros from ATMs in the Agrinio and Corinth regions.

Investigators from the Arta and Agrinio Crime Investigation Departments identified the suspects and located the vehicle used to collect the valuables. The vehicle, owned by one of the suspects, was seized in Aetolia-Acarnania on September 24. The case file is being submitted to the Court of First Instance in Arta.