Chisinau authorities issue alert over fraudulent home-visit schemes
Chisinau municipal authorities have issued an urgent public alert following reports of scammers posing as social services staff to defraud elderly residents.
Impostors are targeting private homes, falsely claiming to represent the General Directorate for Medical and Social Assistance (DGAMS). Once inside, they pressure vulnerable citizens into purchasing overpriced household or "wellness" products under the guise of official municipal promotions.
"Last week, unidentified individuals visited residents claiming to be social aid representatives," stated Marina Buga, Deputy Head of DGAMS, during the Chisinau City Hall meeting on January 26. These individuals used high-pressure sales tactics to extract money from retirees.
The City Hall clarified that official social workers never sell products, request payments, or collect cash at a beneficiary's home. All official social assistance programs are conducted through transparent, non-monetary institutional channels.
Authorities urge the public to exercise extreme vigilance and immediately report any suspicious home visits to the police. Citizens are requested to inform elderly relatives about these predatory tactics to prevent further financial exploitation.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
