The Public Security Police (PSP) announced a 13% reduction in fraud reports in 2024, with 26,486 cases recorded, compared to 30,342 in 2023.
In 2021, the PSP received 19,653 fraud complaints, which increased to 23,982 in 2022 and 30,342 in 2023, before decreasing to 26,486 last year.
The PSP highlighted that fraud caused property losses exceeding 65 million euros in 2024, a 41% decrease from 110 million euros in 2023, aligning with the decline in reported incidents.
These “significant results” are attributed by the police to their “investment in the continuous analysis of this phenomenon as well as public awareness efforts.”
Arrests related to fraud also decreased by 13% in 2024, totaling 69. The PSP arrested 38 individuals for fraud in 2021, 58 in 2022, and 79 in 2023.
The PSP’s report on safety advice notes that elderly individuals are often the “preferred victims of fraudsters for in-person scams,” though digital capabilities have broadened the range of victim ages in recent years.
The police advised, “Preventing fraud is best achieved by questioning unknown individuals and suspect business deals promising quick and large returns,” urging all frauds to be reported to law enforcement.
With the holiday season approaching, the PSP recommends not making money transfers to online advertisers, saving all email exchanges, photos, and messages, avoiding links sent by email or other platforms, considering the longevity of advertisements as a sign of their legitimacy, and verifying images online to ensure authenticity.
Regarding in-person scams, the PSP advises: “Report any suspicious activity in your building or neighborhood immediately,” “share details with local police officers,” “if someone knocks for information, do not open the door; listen and note details,” “do not disclose personal information or respond to surveys without verifying authenticity,” “do not accept unsolicited deliveries,” and “do not disclose the presence of valuable items at home.”
