In France, two individuals have been apprehended for reportedly deceiving elderly individuals into paying substantial amounts of money for unnecessary bedbug treatment.

According to Strasbourg police, the suspects would visit the homes of their victims, conduct fraudulent pest control services, and subsequently overcharge them for treatment products. The scam targeted a total of 48 people, with a significant number of them being women aged over 90.

In recent months, France has experienced a surge in bedbug infestations, prompting heightened concern nationwide. Senior government officials are actively working on implementing measures to address the issue.

However, entomologists and health experts caution that the infestation has also led to an increase in false reports of bedbug sightings and unwarranted anxiety.

Authorities revealed that the alleged scammers employed a modus operandi involving phone calls to victims, falsely claiming a bedbug infestation in their vicinity.

Upon visiting the victim's residence, the suspects posed as health officials and simulated fumigation using aerosol sprays. Before departing, they would offer a purported bug-repelling ointment, which, in reality, was a simple eucalyptus-scented cream.

Victims would be charged between €300 and €2,100 (£257 and £1,800).

Police said they had received a total of nine formal complaints for suspected fraud.

The suspects were then placed under surveillance and arrested as they left the home of an alleged victim in Strasbourg.

The infestations in Paris have led to fears the problem could spread across the Channel to London.

Speaking to PoliticsJOE in October, London mayor Sadiq Khan said the threat to the capital's public transport system was a "real source of concern".

He said he had been in contact with counterparts in Paris as well as officials at Transport For London to "ensure we don't have that problem".

Wow, even in French country too!

Too bad