Fraudulent scams target elderly residents in Austria and Romania

Fraudulent schemes targeting elderly individuals have been reported in Austria and Romania, utilizing psychological pressure and impersonation to steal significant sums of money.

In the Austrian state of Carinthia, specifically within the Feldkirchen and Klagenfurt districts, scammers posing as police officers have targeted residents. The criminals use a narrative claiming that “Romanian thieves” are committing crimes nearby to induce panic. They then convince victims to hand over cash and valuables for safekeeping. In one instance, an 87-year-old man was deceived into handing over several thousand euros to an individual who arrived at his home following the fraudulent call.

In Romania, an 84-year-old woman in Bucium, Alba county, was targeted using the “sick child” method. A man posing as her son claimed to have been involved in a car accident and required urgent funds for surgery in Austria. Another individual, posing as medical staff, requested the money. The victim handed over 22,700 lei and 800 euros to a man who arrived at her residence. Authorities have detained a suspect from Iași in connection with the investigation.