A 78-year-old woman from Pella has fallen victim to an elaborate online scam, losing €28,400 to fraudsters posing as members of Greece’s former royal family.
The elderly victim, who was forced to sell her home in the village to cover the losses, now lives in rented accommodation in Edessa, according to a report by MEGA.
The scammers contacted the woman online, claiming to be associated with the former royal family, and convinced her to purchase a “membership card” for the royal household.
“I grew up in institutions supported by Queen Frederica, so I’ve always had a soft spot for the royals,” the victim explained.
“They messaged me on Facebook, asking if I wanted to join the royal family as a member. Of course, I said yes.”
The fraudsters offered her multiple membership tiers, ranging from €700 to €4,500. Unable to pay the full amount upfront, the woman agreed to send the money in installments.
Over time, she handed over a total of €28,400, depleting her savings and forcing her to sell her property.
“I told them I couldn’t afford the full amount and would send the money gradually,” she said. “But it was all a lie. Now I’ve lost everything.”
The case has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the vulnerability of elderly citizens to online scams.
Authorities are investigating the incident, but no arrests have been made so far.
The victim’s story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online fraud, particularly for older individuals who may be less familiar with digital security.
Police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.