Thieves use two-euro scam to target older men in Carinthia

Two unknown men stole cash from older men in Völkermarkt and Wolfsberg on Monday using the same two-euro coin exchange trick, ORF reported. Police are seeking information about both suspects.

In Völkermarkt, a man approached a 71-year-old and asked him to exchange a two-euro coin for two one-euro coins. While the victim searched in the coin compartment of his wallet, the suspect also reached inside and handled the coins. Police said he held a map over the wallet to conceal the theft and removed banknotes. The victim noticed the theft only later.

The suspect was described as about 40 years old and 170 to 175 centimetres tall, with short black hair and a well-groomed appearance. He was reportedly wearing a dark blue padded vest, light blue jeans with holes on both legs, a dark-coloured baseball cap and light blue sports shoes with white laces and white edges.

Witness sees Wolfsberg theft

A similar incident took place in Wolfsberg on Monday morning. An unknown man asked an 82-year-old to exchange a two-euro coin for use in a parking meter. After the man opened his wallet, the suspect stole several hundred euros in banknotes.

A 63-year-old woman nearby witnessed the incident and called on the suspect to stop, according to the available information. The man then fled. He was described as about 175 to 180 centimetres tall, with short black hair and a very well-groomed appearance. He was reportedly wearing a light brown jacket.

Police are asking anyone with information about either incident to come forward.