A 45-year-old couple was arrested in Silves, in Portugal’s Algarve, over a fake accident scam targeting an 85-year-old man, after police recovered €2,000. GNR officers from the Silves Criminal Investigation Unit (NIC) caught the pair red-handed on Monday, October 19, after they allegedly demanded the cash from the victim. The investigation started four days earlier, after a complaint about a similar scam in which €1,500 was allegedly handed over. Investigators identified the suspects and monitored their activity, then moved in during another alleged attempt using the same method. Police say the scammers mainly targeted older people by pretending the victims had caused vehicle damage in a road accident. They allegedly pressured the victim not to contact police or insurance companies, instead demanding an immediate cash payment for supposed repairs. On October 19, the pair allegedly approached the 85-year-old victim and demanded €2,000. They accompanied him to a bank so he could withdraw the money, then walked away after the cash was handed over. GNR officers intercepted and arrested them, recovering the full €2,000. The suspects are due to appear before the Silves Department of Investigation and Criminal Action (DIAP). The GNR said it has seen growing concern over so-called fake accident scams, including in the Algarve.