Elderly Woman Scammed, Courier Arrested in Minsk Phone Fraud Case

Minsk Police Warn of Beltelecom Impersonation Scam A 72-year-old resident of Minsk recently fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam, losing over 22,000 rubles. Fraudsters, posing as representatives from Beltelecom, convinced the woman to hand over her money to a courier, claiming it was necessary to avoid asset seizure. "They said I didn't need to come in person, that they could extend the contract remotely," the victim recounted. The swift action of the Minsk police led to the arrest of a 33-year-old man who acted as a courier in the scam. He was apprehended and is now facing charges. Police investigations revealed that the courier himself had previously been a victim of a similar scam. This highlights the need for vigilance and awareness. The police remind citizens that legitimate representatives of banks and other organizations never solicit personal information or funds via messenger services. Authorities urge anyone receiving such calls to immediately end the conversation and report the incident to the police. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of caution when dealing with unsolicited calls and requests for personal information. The arrest of the courier underscores the police's commitment to combating fraud and protecting vulnerable citizens.