Authorities appeal to populations affected by the storm not to accept help offered via telephone due to the risk of fraud.
The Leiria district commander of the Public Security Police (PSP) said this Friday that there were reports of people receiving phone calls from fake service providers following the bad weather and appealed to citizens not to provide data.
“We have reports of people who are now receiving calls from service providers who seek to obtain personal data and the number of people at home. In particular, from people pretending to be water or electricity employees who want to measure the flow and quality of the water and check the electrical connections, respectively, intending to schedule a visit”, Domingos Urbano Antunes told the Lusa agency.
The district commander reiterated that citizens “they must not give out any personal data and never allow strangers to enter their home”and explained that “these questions arise from the gradual establishment of communications”, which is why fraud attempts occur over the telephone.
“We ask that you do not accept this aid unless through official means”said Domingos Urbano Antunes, warning that, in these cases, contact the PSP immediately.
Police also warn of the risk of accidents
He also appealed to citizens to “safeguard their properties”, but “they must not take disproportionate risks, specifically, when working on roofs with a high risk of falling”.
“We understand the urgency, but we cannot lose the sense of protecting life”, warned the district head of the PSP, guaranteeing that the command continues “to record a significant drop in crime, at least that reported”.
Thirteen people have died in Portugal since last week following the passage of depressions Kristin and Leonardowhich also caused many hundreds of injuries and displacement.
The total or partial destruction of homes, businesses and equipment, the fall of trees and structures, the closure of roads, schools and transport services, and the cut of energy, water and communications are the main material consequences of the storm.
The Centro, Lisbon and Vale do Tejo and Alentejo regions are the most affected.
The Government extended the calamity situation until the 15th for 68 municipalities, which will benefit from support measures of up to 2.5 billion euros.
The calamity situation in mainland Portugal was initially declared between January 28th and February 1st for around 60 municipalities, and was then extended until the 8th for 68 municipalities, before being extended again until February 15th.
