Phone scammers have rolled out a fresh tactic, posing as law enforcement officers to seize homes from unsuspecting homeowners. In recent briefings, investigators warned that the targets are often older adults who may be vulnerable to convincing impersonations. The ruse typically unfolds with a caller claiming to represent a branch of law enforcement and insisting that a loan or debt issue is tied to a cluster of banks. The scammer may offer to shelter the victim or temporarily register the property in the name of a so-called officer, creating a sense of legitimacy and urgency to deter resistance.
Authorities have identified the operation as a coordinated effort involving individuals who falsely claim affiliations with the FSB, state services, the investigative committee, and central banking bodies. The pattern shows scammers exploiting authority figures to intimidate victims into quick action, often leveraging fear of losing the home to pressure consent or silence.
Experts advise that legitimate law enforcement agencies never initiate contact with residents to resolve financial matters, confiscate property, or arrange property registrations. If a caller asserts such authority, the recommended response is to disengage immediately and verify the claim through separate channels. A good rule of thumb is to pause, hang up, and contact the official agency directly using publicly listed numbers or trusted sources to confirm any urgent claim.
In scenarios where a home is briefly registered in another name, the prudent course is to document everything and request an official forensic review. Then, if fraud is confirmed, people should press to open a criminal case and seek protective measures to prevent further action on the property while the matter is investigated. The key is to maintain control of personal information and avoid sharing sensitive details over the phone until a trusted verification is completed.
Past reports from various cities highlight instances where scammers used elaborate stories, including staging meetings and presenting forged documents, to gain traction. The risk remains highest for those who may be less familiar with financial protections or who are facing mounting debts. Community education and quick reporting to authorities can help curb these thefts, as can using official channels to verify any claim that involves one’s home or finances. [Attribution: law enforcement advisories and consumer protection agencies]