In Phoenix, elderly residents are being urged to exercise extreme caution after a 77-year-old pensioner fell victim to a scam at her home.A woman, claiming to be from the welfare department, approached the pensioner’s property offering assistance and a food hamper.When the resident initially declined, the woman requested to iron her clothes due to a claimed lack of electricity.The pensioner allowed her inside, unaware that an accomplice, a man in his 50s, was also present on the property.

After creating a distraction and gaining the resident’s trust, the scammers left the house, later resulting in the pensioner discovering her sacred Thali was missing, although her phone and purse were found.The Phoenix Community Policing Forum (CPF) emphasised that elderly individuals are increasingly targeted through deception and manipulation.

They advised residents to verify all officials, keep gates and doors locked, avoid engaging strangers alone, and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of senior citizens and the importance of community vigilance to prevent opportunistic crimes.