Investigative Committee Warns: Large Sums of Money Being Stolen from Numerous Citizens through Fraud

The Investigative Committee of Armenia informs that recently, numerous residents of Yerevan have continually reported incidents of large sums of money being stolen, becoming victims of similar criminal acts.

Specifically, unknown individuals are calling different citizens and informing them that supposedly a relative located in another country has caused a traffic accident, and that money needs to be transferred for the victim's treatment. Afterwards, some individuals visit the homes of these citizens and, taking advantage of their emotional state, deceitfully obtain varying amounts of money, including especially large sums, and steal them.

The number of citizens affected by fraud in this manner has already exceeded one hundred.

Based on the presented reports, the Investigative Committee has initiated criminal proceedings in the investigative departments of the Yerevan investigation office under various sections of Article 255 of the Criminal Code of Armenia. Necessary investigative and other procedural measures are being taken, as well as operational-search activities by the police, to clarify the circumstances of the cases and identify those committing the crimes.

Considering that such reports continue to emerge, the Investigative Committee warns the population to remain calm when receiving such information from unknown individuals and to avoid hasty actions aimed at helping their relatives.

It is essential to first take additional measures to contact relatives through other means of communication, make further clarifications, verify the authenticity of the received information, and ensure the reliability of the person who contacted them and received money, before taking any actions. If possible, it is preferable to avoid transferring cash altogether.

Moreover, we find it necessary to urge citizens that in the event of noting a fraud or having suspicions thereof, they must immediately provide all information about the individuals they were in contact with to law enforcement agencies.