Online fraudsters defraud two women of €55,000 through fake investments
Officers from Ljubljana Police Directorate are investigating two cases of online fraud in which the victims transferred €45,000 and €10,000 to scammers.
Fake investment platforms in Ljubljana cost €55,000
Officers from the Ljubljana Police Directorate have investigated two separate cases of online fraud in which victims lost a combined total of more than €55,000, reports Delo. In both cases, fraudsters persuaded women with promises of high returns on investments.
€45,000 lost following instructions from an "investment adviser"
In the first case, the victim came across an advertisement for an investment platform in mid-July that promised to increase money using artificial intelligence. Through an online form she provided her personal data, after which a Croatian-speaking woman called her and instructed her to transfer €250 as an initial investment to a foreign bank account.
A few days later, she received a notification that her investment had supposedly grown to around €79,000. A person then established contact with her, presenting himself as an investment adviser, and urged her to make additional transfers—for further trading, tax payment, and withdrawal of the alleged profit. She transferred over €45,000 in several instalments, but never received the promised money. Police officers are continuing to gather information.
Different approach, same outcome: €10,000 lost
In the second case, unknown perpetrators convinced the victim in August through an online investment platform that by investing she could significantly increase her wealth. Convinced of the legitimacy of the offer, she made two transfers totalling more than €10,000. Only later did she discover she had been a victim of fraud. Police officers are continuing their investigation in this case as well.
Police: high returns on screen do not mean real money
The police warn that the display of high returns on an online platform does not mean that this money actually exists or can be withdrawn. Particular caution is advised regarding offers that promise quick and above-average earnings, especially when alleged advisers initiate contact themselves and demand ever-new transfers.
Police also warn of demands for additional payments for "taxes", "commissions", "account activation" or other costs as a condition for profit withdrawal. Before making any transfer, the provider should be verified and strangers should not be allowed remote access to a computer or telephone. Anyone who suspects they have been a victim of fraud should notify their bank and police as soon as possible.
Source: Delo