In France, two individuals have been arrested for allegedly scamming elderly people by convincing them to pay exorbitant amounts for unnecessary bedbug treatments. The suspects, operating in Strasbourg, would visit the homes of their victims, conduct fictitious inspections, and then exploit the situation by overcharging for purported treatment products. The victims, numbering 48 in total, were predominantly elderly women, many of whom were over 90 years old. This fraudulent activity comes amid a growing concern over the rise of bedbug infestations across France, prompting government officials to consider measures to address the issue.

The modus operandi of the alleged scammers involved contacting potential victims, informing them of a bedbug infestation in their neighborhood. Subsequently, the suspects would visit the targeted individuals’ homes, posing as health officials. They would simulate a treatment process using aerosol sprays, then offer a supposed bug-repelling ointment, which, in reality, was a basic eucalyptus-scented cream. The victims, unaware of the scam, were charged varying amounts ranging from €300 to €2,100. Authorities received a total of nine formal complaints related to suspected fraud, leading to the surveillance and arrest of the suspects as they left the residence of an alleged victim in Strasbourg.

The escalating bedbug issue in France has raised concerns about its potential spread, with fears that Parisian infestations could impact other cities, including London. London mayor Sadiq Khan expressed apprehension about the threat to the capital’s public transport system, emphasizing efforts to prevent a similar problem. In October, he reported engaging with counterparts in Paris and officials at Transport For London to collaborate on strategies aimed at averting the potential spread of bedbug-related challenges.

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