MUP warns of increasingly frequent phone scams: Do not give money to strangers

The Ministry of Interior in Serbia has issued a public warning regarding a rise in telephone-based scams. Citizens are being urged to exercise extreme caution and refrain from handing over money to unknown individuals who contact them via phone.

These fraudulent callers often impersonate family members, falsely claiming they have been involved in a traffic accident or another type of emergency. They then demand immediate payment for alleged medical treatment or surgery costs. In some instances, scammers also request gold or other valuables in addition to cash.

Exploiting the fear and concern citizens may have for their loved ones' well-being, the perpetrators aim to pressure individuals into transferring money or valuables without verifying the authenticity of the claims. The Ministry stressed that such tactics prey on people's emotional distress.

To combat these scams, the Ministry of Interior advises the public to be particularly vigilant when receiving such calls. Instead of acting impulsively, citizens are encouraged to verify the information provided by the caller. This verification should be done by contacting family members directly, checking with the relevant healthcare facility, or reporting the suspicious call to the nearest police station before parting with any money or valuables.