A woman in Kofinou fell victim to a cunning phone scam around 12:30pm yesterday, in which she was deceived into leaving her jewellery outside her home, only to have it stolen.
According to the victim’s report, she received a call from an unknown woman claiming that the government was offering free domestic helpers for elderly people. The caller asked for personal information to “complete an application”. Shortly after, the woman was connected to a man who said he was from the Electricity Authority and claimed there was a leak in her home that could cause a fire.
The man urged the woman to remove her money and jewellery from the house immediately. While still on the phone, she placed her valuables in a basket and left it on her veranda. The caller then instructed her to re-enter the house and switch off the main electrical switch. When she returned to the veranda, the basket with her jewellery had vanished.
Witnesses reported seeing an unknown man flee the scene on foot in an unknown direction. The Kofinou Regional Police Station is continuing its investigation.
The police remind citizens to remain vigilant and cautious, as scammers are constantly inventing new tactics to deceive and steal.
Feature photo source: Shutterstock
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