Moldovan police report phone fraud scams causing over 3 million lei loss

Between 5 – 7 June 2026, the Moldovan police recorded 22 cases of telephone fraud that resulted in total damages exceeding 3 million lei. Police also prevented 465 further fraud attempts thanks to vigilance from citizens.

Victims are mainly people over 55 years old. In six incidents victims were persuaded to take out loans to transfer money to the criminals. The largest single loss, 923 000 lei, involved a 77‑year‑old woman from the capital who was contacted by individuals claiming to be employees of official institutions and told that her electric meter needed to be changed. She was instructed to transfer large sums, which were collected by couriers. The scammers commonly posed as representatives of the National Bank of Moldova or banks and demanded money transfers or loan contracts. Authorities urge the public not to send money to unknown callers, avoid suspicious links, and to report any attempts immediately.