Police in western Finland have launched an investigation into a suspected fraud case in which criminals obtained bank card details from an elderly man during a home visit and withdrew tens of thousands of euros.
The Ostrobothnia Police Department said two men are suspected of taking the victim’s card information in Seinäjoki on 25 April. The suspects then used the data to withdraw up to €30,000 from the victim’s account.
According to police, the men approached the victim at his home and offered advice on a “new way” to use a bank card. During the visit, one of the suspects photographed the card using a mobile phone. The pair then left the property.
Later the same day, the victim found that his card no longer worked and that a large sum of money had been removed from his account. The case is being investigated as aggravated fraud.
Police believe the suspects had visited a neighbouring property the day before. One of the men is described as about 50 years old, while the other is younger. They were seen travelling in a light-coloured car.
Investigators suspect the pair have moved across several locations in the Seinäjoki area. Officers have appealed for information about the men and the vehicle.
Police said citizens should not share bank details or card information with unknown individuals, either online or in person. They warned that such data should not be disclosed under any circumstances, even if requested under the name of a known organisation.
Authorities urged anyone who suspects they have been targeted by a similar scam to file a report through the police website.
HT
