Fraud with fake urban planning officials – Demanding €250 on the spot in cash
Perpetrators pose as urban planning service employees with forged documents and demand immediate payment of fines. Recent incident in Larissa.
Fake "urban planning officials" knocking on doors and extorting fines
Tharrosnews.gr reports a new wave of fraud in which criminals pose as employees of urban planning services, display forged documents and demand immediate payment of money from property owners.
The method follows a well-known pattern: the perpetrators claim to have inspected a property, present a fabricated "report" stating an alleged urban planning violation, and demand payment on the spot — usually in cash.
A recent incident in Larissa revealed the method of operation. Criminals allegedly demanded 250 euros, displaying a document designed to resemble an official administrative act, complete with fine details and reference to an appeal procedure.
The practice is part of a broader phenomenon of fraudsters who change their identity depending on circumstances — sometimes posing as electricity company "technicians", at other times as "accountants" or alleged bank officials. The common denominator is creating panic and demanding immediate handover of money or valuables.
The display of a document, seal or apparently official fine calculation does not prove its authenticity. No public employee has the authority to collect fines on the spot in cash.
In any such case, citizens are urged not to hand over money or valuable items, to contact the competent municipal service directly using official contact details, and to immediately report any suspicious incident to the Greek Police.
Source: Google News GR — Crime (el)