Most of these investigations are currently being conducted in the operational territory of the Kaunas District Prosecutor’s Office – 10. Six such pre-trial investigations are being conducted in the Vilnius district, and one in Panevėžys.
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During the investigations, it was found that fraudsters usually introduce themselves to victims over the phone as representatives of various institutions or organizations and employ strong psychological pressure.
People are told a fabricated story that their real estate has already been sold or is being sold on the “black market,” and therefore the only way to save it is for the owner to sell it as quickly as possible.
Believing such information, victims hastily sell their real estate, often for a price significantly lower than the market value.
Elderly people are most often the targets of fraudsters. Under pressure and fearing the loss of their property, they make hasty decisions, and the fraudsters’ scheme does not end with the sale of the home.
After receiving money for the sold property, victims are persuaded to withdraw it or buy gold bars. Later, the cash or gold is handed over to individuals designated by the fraudsters.
Law enforcement is currently also evaluating the role of other individuals involved in the transactions. It is being investigated whether, in some cases, real estate brokers, notaries, or the property acquirers themselves could have contributed to the schemes.
The prosecutor’s office emphasizes that the actions of each person are evaluated individually, and responsibility can only be applied after establishing the specific circumstances of the criminal act.
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Therefore, real estate brokers, notaries, and buyers are urged to evaluate cases particularly carefully when an elderly person is rushing to sell their only home, agrees to a price significantly lower than the market value, or cannot clearly explain the reasons for such a decision.
Suspicion should also be raised by situations where the seller claims to be urgently leaving abroad, acts confused, constantly communicates with unknown persons by phone during the transaction, or explains that they are following instructions from a bank, police, or other institutions.
Police practice shows that among the victims of such scams are many elderly Russian-speaking people. Therefore, specialists working with such clients are urged to dedicate more time and ensure that the decision to sell property is made independently, without pressure from third parties.
Officials remind that no state institution demands the urgent sale of real estate, transfer of money, gold, or other valuables over the phone.
Residents are also urged to discuss such fraud schemes with their elderly relatives and remind them to consult with family members or contact law enforcement before making important financial decisions.
Upon receiving a suspicious call demanding the urgent sale of property or the execution of financial transactions, officials advise immediately ending the conversation and informing the police.
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