A 77-year-old man from Međimurje reported an internet scam related to cryptocurrency investment to the police, estimating the total damage at just under €9,000. Police in Čakovec received a criminal report on suspicion of fraud.
The victim came across a post on a social media network promoting cryptocurrency investment. Interested in the offered profit, he contacted an unknown person via a link, who introduced themselves as a financial advisor. The alleged advisor requested an initial payment of several hundred euros, claiming the funds were necessary to start investing.
After the first payment, the 77-year-old continued to buy and pay for cryptocurrencies via vouchers, following telephone instructions. He paid several thousand euros in this manner, and subsequently made additional cryptocurrency payments via a digital wallet. This amount also reached several thousand euros.
Upon realising he had been defrauded, he reported the case to the police. He estimated the total damage at just under €9,000. The criminal investigation is ongoing, and a criminal report will be filed against the perpetrator with the competent state prosecutor's office.
The police warn citizens about scams related to alleged cryptocurrency investment. Fraudsters often pose as financial advisors, brokers or investment experts, using advertisements and promises of quick and safe profits to induce citizens to pay money.
