French authorities in Strasbourg apprehended two individuals accused of defrauding 48 elderly individuals, mostly women over 90, by falsely offering bedbug treatments at exorbitant prices.
The suspects would visit victims’ homes, impersonate health officials, conduct fake pest control services, and charge between €300 and €2,100.
They utilized aerosol sprays, pretending to fumigate the space, and provided a basic eucalyptus-scented cream as a phony solution.
The scam involved notifying victims of a neighborhood infestation, posing as health officers, and selling deceptive products.
Authorities received nine formal complaints regarding suspected fraud before placing the suspects under surveillance and arresting them after leaving an alleged victim’s residence in Strasbourg.
This scam has arisen amidst a surge in bedbug infestations across France, causing alarm among senior officials who are working on strategies to tackle the issue.
Concerns about false reports and unnecessary panic have also been raised by entomologists and health experts.
In London, Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed worries about potential infestation spreading from Paris to the UK, particularly impacting public transportation.
He has been in discussions with Paris officials and Transport for London to mitigate the perceived threat.
Source-BBC
