Scam artists operating in Latvia using phones
In a concerning development, Latvia has seen a significant increase in fraud cases this year, with the number of blocked fraudulent calls reaching over 200,000. These calls, often originating from various regions across Latvia, have resulted in approximately 2,000 reported cases of fraud.
The fraudulent activities have been particularly prevalent in the Latgale region, with incidents recorded in Daugavpils, Rezekne, Vilnia, Ludza, Augsdaugava regions, and Balvi. In May alone, residents in Daugavpils were defrauded of €25,000, and €30,000 was lost in Vilnia.
The modus operandi of these scammers involves claiming that a relative has been involved in a traffic accident and requires money to avoid criminal proceedings or cover medical expenses. This tactic, designed to evoke sympathy and urgency, has proven effective in defrauding unsuspecting victims.
The amounts defrauded in individual cases can range from a few hundred euros to several thousand. In one week this month, more than €80,000 was defrauded from the public in Latgale.
The fraud scheme does not only involve the fraudster who makes the phone calls but also a money mule or money courier. This recruitment of young people as money mules for fraud schemes is a criminal offence, and last week, a young person involved in a money fraud scheme where €25,000 was defrauded was detained by officials from the South Latgale District of the Latgale Regional Administration.
Criminal proceedings are initiated against the arrested money mules who act as couriers. Jūlija Jurāne, Senior Specialist of the Public Relations Division of the State Police for the Latgale Region, stated that the number of fraud cases and people being defrauded in different locations is increasing in Latgale.
The organisation that blocked over 200,000 fraudulent phone calls this year is not explicitly mentioned in the search results, nor is the specific authority that detected an increase in such calls among adolescents identified. However, the police have warned that young people are often recruited as couriers, and this practice is a crime that must be avoided.
As the number of fraud cases continues to rise, it is essential for the public to remain vigilant and cautious when receiving unexpected calls, especially those asking for money under the guise of an emergency. If you suspect a fraudulent call, it is advisable to hang up and report the incident to the authorities.
