Monaco authorities are investigating a sophisticated fraud after an elderly resident was allegedly tricked into handing over jewellery worth an estimated €1 million to a man posing as a police officer. The theft, which took place on Tuesday, July 14, is the latest in a series of scams targeting vulnerable people in the Principality…
As reported by Monaco-Matin, the fraud began with a telephone call in which the suspect claimed there had been suspicious activity on one of the victim’s bank accounts. Using convincing details about the account, the caller persuaded the victim that an urgent police verification was required. The man then visited the victim’s home, where he gained access to valuable jewellery before making off with pieces estimated to be worth around €1 million.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that an investigation has been opened into aggravated theft by impersonation, with officers from Monaco’s Public Security Department actively pursuing the case.
The incident follows another fake police officer case in Monaco only weeks ago, when an 18-year-old was convicted after attempting to defraud vulnerable residents using a similar method.
Authorities are once again urging the public to remain vigilant. Residents should never disclose confidential banking information over the telephone, should be cautious of unexpected visitors claiming to represent official organisations, and are encouraged to contact the police immediately if they have any doubts about the identity or intentions of a caller.