Gang of three impersonated GNR officers to carry out traffic fraud
Group approached motorists on Alentejo roads, presenting themselves as authorities to demand payment for alleged traffic violations. The scheme netted approximately six thousand euros before being dismantled.
Gang of three impersonated GNR officers to carry out traffic fraud
A criminal group consisting of three individuals approached drivers on public roads in the Alentejo region, passing themselves off as agents of the Guarda Nacional Republicana. The group demanded cash payments for alleged road traffic contraventions, obtaining approximately six thousand euros through deception.
The fraud came to light after a 71-year-old man was stopped on an avenue in the town of Montemor-o-Novo during the month of November last year. The individuals forced the motorist to stop his vehicle, claiming an alleged failure in the rear lighting.
The presumed leader of the group got out of the car where he had been travelling and approached the septuagenarian, showing a badge that simulated police identification. He explained that the penalty for the violation would amount to a sum between one hundred and two hundred euros, but offered an immediate reduction to sixty euros if payment were made on the spot.
The elderly man, convinced that this was an official operation, handed over his debit card. One of the fraudsters then withdrew to the car where his accomplices were located, returning with an electronic payment device to carry out the transfer.
Investigations conducted by the judicial authorities indicate that the scheme had begun approximately half a year before this incident. The prosecutors suspect that other people may have been deceived by the same method, and are now seeking to identify any additional victims.
Source: Correio da Manhã
Source: Correio da Manhã