Greece faces surge in sophisticated telephone fraud and AI scams

The Hellenic Police have issued warnings regarding a significant surge in sophisticated telephone fraud across Greece. Criminal groups are employing advanced methods, including the use of artificial intelligence to mimic the voices of relatives to request urgent funds for fake emergencies.

Scammers often impersonate employees from public utilities, banks, telecommunications companies, or government agencies. They use pretexts such as technical faults, electricity leaks, or tax refunds to induce panic and rush victims into sharing e-banking credentials or handing over cash and valuables. Some tactics involve a “double call” strategy, where one perpetrator poses as an official and a second calls pretending to be a police officer to build trust.

In Western Greece, more than 52 serious fraud cases were recorded over a two-month period, resulting in losses exceeding 600,000 euros in cash and jewelry. Regional breakdowns include 22 cases in Achaia with losses over 285,000 euros, 17 cases in Aetolia-Acarnania totaling 195,000 euros, and 13 cases in Elis involving over 115,000 euros. Investigations indicate these organized groups operate with strict division of labor between callers and collectors, utilizing specific geographic bases to coordinate their activities.