Croatia warns of rising telephone impersonation scams

Authorities in Croatia are warning citizens about an increase in sophisticated telephone fraud, known as vishing. Scammers are using various impersonation tactics to steal money and personal data.

In one trend, criminals pose as investment brokers or financial advisors, aggressively promoting ‘guaranteed’ returns on gold or cryptocurrency. These callers often use spoofing technology to make their numbers appear as though they are calling from official banks, police, or legitimate companies. They may also request that victims install remote access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer to facilitate fraudulent transactions.

In the Zadar region, police reported incidents where scammers impersonated doctors. In these cases, callers contacted elderly citizens claiming a family member was seriously injured and required urgent surgery, demanding large sums of money—such as 35,000 euros—to be paid immediately. Scammers often arrange for a person to visit the victim's home to collect cash or gold.

Citizens are advised to hang up immediately if faced with urgent demands for money or sensitive information, such as bank card CVV codes or PINs. Legitimate medical institutions and financial companies will never request immediate payments or sensitive banking details via telephone calls.