Moldova phone scams drain millions of lei from residents

Moldovan police have reported a surge in telephone fraud where callers pose as state officials or bank representatives to trick victims into transferring money or revealing personal banking details. In the capital’s Ciocana district, a woman lost more than 2 million lei, while other victims in Buiucani and Râșcani sectors forfeited over 500,000 lei and 200,000 lei respectively. A similar case in the town of Ceadâr‑Lunga involved a loss of 400,000 lei.

Authorities say the scams have caused total losses exceeding 3.7 million lei in just 24 hours and have warned the public, especially the elderly, to verify any financial request through official channels and to refrain from sending money or personal data to unknown callers.