Cluj-Napoca officials warn against fraudulent begging scams

Cluj-Napoca Vice Mayor Dan Tarcea has issued a warning regarding individuals engaging in fraudulent begging. Local police identified three specific cases where people claimed to have disabilities or medical issues to solicit money from the public.

One individual, a resident of the Republic of Moldova, reportedly used a wheelchair in Mărăști Square to collect approximately 500 lei before being caught simulating a disability. Another case involved a woman from Deva appearing to have bandaged hands, while a third woman was found with cash hidden in her hair. Tarcea advised citizens to support vulnerable populations through established organizations rather than direct street donations to avoid encouraging these scams.