Scammers Pose as Mayors in New Financial Fraud Scheme
A new fraud scheme has emerged, with scammers impersonating city mayors to trick residents. Since February 24, reports have surfaced of criminals using fake messages to demand money transfers or phishing link clicks. Authorities are warning the public to stay alert and avoid falling victim to the deception.
The scam involves fraudsters posing as the local mayor, contacting residents with a well-rehearsed script. They request urgent financial transfers or prompt victims to click on suspicious links. Officials have clarified that mayors do not engage in personal correspondence to ask for money or sensitive details.
Residents receiving such messages are urged to ignore them immediately. Sharing personal information, bank card details, or verification codes could lead to financial loss. Experts advise verifying any unexpected requests by contacting the supposed sender through official channels, such as the city council's verified phone number or email.
Police have stressed the importance of reporting all attempted finance fraud. While no official number of cases has been released, authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
The scam relies on deception and urgency to manipulate victims. By ignoring suspicious messages and verifying requests through official routes, residents can protect themselves. Reporting incidents to the police helps prevent further finance fraud and supports ongoing investigations.