What is the “Marseillais collar” scam which targets elderly people?

Wednesday 02nd October 2024 04:00 AM

© Ali Mkumbwa/Unsplash

– The “Marseillais collar” scam still claims victims.

Unsurprisingly, it is the elderly who are most often the victims of scammers. More vulnerable, more gullible, they can let themselves be convinced by well-rehearsed speeches. And it often costs them dearly! The “Marseillais collar” scam is no exception to the rule. In December 2023 and February 2024, no less than seven elderly people were victims of a forty-year-old from Marseille, says Free Midday. This scam is not new, but still works. The man, accompanied by his partner, had chosen Aveyron as their playground.

To do this, nothing could be simpler than to contact the ticket distributors. Because the “Marseille collar” scam, also called “card trapping” is very simple: it consists of stealing the victim’s payment card by recovering their confidential code. To get their hands on the card, scammers insert an object into the dispenser slot in order to block it. Subsequently, they tell their “prey” that the withdrawal did not work and that it is necessary to return the bank card.

Up to 1,500 euros withdrawn

The elderly person complies and performs his code in front of the crook who takes the time to memorize it. But the card is blocked and the thug explains to his victim that it has been swallowed. He then has plenty of time to retrieve the card and withdraw the amounts he wishes. In these cases cited by Free Middaythe cash was oscillating between 1,400 and 1,500 euros. Following complaints and an investigation, the police managed to find the duo of crooks.

Tried on Tuesday October 1, the man is far from unknown to the courts. Already sentenced for similar facts, he will also be heard in November before the Paris court… for a new “Marseille collar” scam. At the bar, the defendant assured that the main thing was to reimburse the victims and that these scams were behind him.