# Fraud and exploitation of elderly citizens in Europe

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fraud-and-exploitation-of-elderly-citizens-in-europe
> Updated: 2026-10-03T09:47:33.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 2.

Authorities in Italy, Greece, and Cyprus have reported an increase in fraudulent activities targeting elderly citizens. These crimes range from digital phishing and unauthorized bank transfers to physical theft. In Italy, criminals have used impersonation tactics, pretending to be law enforcement officers to steal cash and jewelry. In response, several municipalities have initiated workshops and anti-fraud desks to educate seniors on digital hygiene.

The situation escalated in Greece, where a telephone scam involving a fake car accident led to the kidnapping of an elderly woman in Tripoli. After the victim identified the initial call as a scam, perpetrators posing as police officers coerced her into a vehicle under the pretext of assisting an investigation. While the woman was eventually located by her son, she remains hospitalized in shock.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-03: Tripoli: Elderly woman kidnapped after phone scam

An elderly woman in Tripoli was kidnapped after scammers posing as police officers tricked her into a vehicle following a failed telephone fraud attempt. She was located in Attica and is currently hospitalized.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tripoli-elderly-woman-kidnapped-after-phone-scam

### 2026-09-30: Elderly citizens targeted by rising scams in Italy and Greece

Authorities in Italy and Greece report a rise in scams targeting the elderly, including impersonation of police to steal gold, digital banking fraud, and sophisticated phishing and investment scams.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/a1-motorway-accident-leads-to-recovery-of-gold-stolen-in-elderly-fraud-scam

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Cite as: Fraud and exploitation of elderly citizens in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fraud-and-exploitation-of-elderly-citizens-in-europe