Authorities in Greece are investigating two thefts in Thessaloniki in which elderly residents were deceived by criminals posing as utility workers and had gold coins stolen from them. Police say the cases appear to be part of a growing pattern of fraud targeting older citizens.
In the most serious incident, fraudsters convinced an elderly woman in the Panorama district that her home faced an immediate electrical safety risk. Believing the warning to be genuine, she allowed the men onto her property.
During the exchange, she revealed the location of a buried chest in her garden containing 450 gold coins. The suspects unearthed the chest, took the coins, and fled.
Police response leads to arrests and recovery of elderly women’s stolen gold coins
After realizing she had been deceived, the woman reported the incident to the police with the help of relatives. Officers quickly traced the suspects, who were subsequently arrested. All 450 gold coins were recovered before the men were able to sell or disperse them.
Investigators said the criminals had deliberately targeted the victim, exploiting her concern about a supposed electrical issue.
Second gold coins theft under investigation in Greece
In a separate case on the same day, a 79-year-old woman in central Thessaloniki was also approached by impostors claiming to be utility workers.
Following their instructions, she wrapped 20 gold coins and cash in aluminum foil and handed them over, believing it was necessary for safety reasons. The suspects escaped with the valuables, and the case remains under investigation.
Authorities across Greece urge public vigilance
Police in Greece are urging residents, especially elderly citizens, to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a public utility.
Officials emphasize that legitimate employees always carry identification and will never request valuables under any circumstances.