Three reports of fraud against the elderly have been received by the police in the East region on Thursday. All began with the fraudsters calling their victims.
– It often starts with a phone call, says Olle Älveroth, press spokesperson for region East.
A woman in her 80s in Linköping was cheated of jewelery worth around SEK 150,000, and her ATM card. A man who claimed to be from the “security service” knocked on the woman’s home after a phone call. The man then allegedly persuaded her to hand over her valuables.
In Eskilstuna, two women in their 80s were tricked into handing over valuables to unknown persons who sought them out in the home, reports Eskilstuna-Kuriren. The men claimed that the valuables would end up in a bank safe.
Also in Jönköping, a woman in her 90s was tricked into handing over her bank card, pin code and other valuables. The fraudsters allegedly called the woman and claimed that her ATM card had “been hijacked”, and then visited her at her home.
No one has yet been arrested in any of the cases, which are now being investigated as serious fraud.
The same people could be behind it
The police do not rule out that the same people could be behind it.
– We don’t know who is behind it, but it is not impossible that it is the same people, says Olle Älveroth.
– It has looked very similar in the approach, he continues.
“Hang up”
The fraudsters often use scare tactics by, for example, claiming that you risk losing a lot of money, the police explain.
– If someone calls you and you feel the least bit unsure, hang up. Even if someone claims to be a relative or acquaintance, says Olle Älveroth.
– This is no time to be polite.
Police or bank staff never ask for sensitive personal data or go to someone’s home to collect weather items, he emphasizes.
Shame and guilt
It is important to contact the police and talk to relatives if you have been the victim of fraud, says Olle Älveroth.
– Many may feel guilt and shame after being exposed to this type of crime.
This can lead to victims choosing not to report to the police if they are exposed, he believes.
– These fraudsters are very professional and constantly find new approaches. It can happen to anyone.