Minsk Woman Falls Prey to Phone Scam, Courier Arrested

Minsk Woman Targeted in Phone Scam, Courier Arrested A 77-year-old resident of Minsk recently fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam, highlighting a growing trend of fraudulent activity in the city. The incident began when the woman received a call from individuals claiming to be employees of Beltelecom, the state-owned telecommunications company. They informed her that her contract needed immediate renewal and that payment was required via a courier. "They were very convincing," said a police officer involved in the investigation, who wished to remain anonymous. "They used official-sounding language and pressured her to act quickly." The woman, trusting the callers, handed over over 12,000 rubles (equivalent) to the courier who arrived at her home. However, the swift actions of law enforcement prevented the fraudsters from accessing the funds. Police apprehended the courier, a 50-year-old Minsk resident, before the money could be transferred. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify and apprehend the other individuals involved in the scam. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for residents of Minsk and beyond. The MVD urges citizens to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious calls or requests for money immediately to the authorities. By working together, we can combat this growing threat and protect our community.