Reference to alleged vaccination certificate checks

False vaccination certificate check: The police warn of a new scam by fraudsters. The background is a report from a 76-year-old in Dortmund-Bodelwickelh, who fortunately immediately became suspicious and informed the police.

The Dortmund resident reported to the police on Monday afternoon (April 4th) and stated the following: her doorbell rang around 2:30 p.m. She made contact over the intercom and learned that police officers were supposedly standing at her door. An unknown man said they would have to check their vaccination certificate. But it seemed suspicious to the Dortmund woman and she did exactly the right thing: she didn't let the men in front of the door in and instead called the “real” police.

She watched as two men and a woman left the address on Göllenkamp Street. The men are described as follows:

1st man: approx. 30 to 40 years old, Indian phenotype, full beard, under 180 cm tall, dressed in dark clothes
2nd man: wore a name tag on his jacket

Since the suspected fraudsters moved away in the direction of other residential buildings, it cannot be ruled out that they made further attempts or even completed deeds in Dortmund-Bodelwickelh. The police are therefore asking for witnesses: Have you seen any suspicious people in this area? Perhaps such a trio also rang a bell for you? Then please contact the criminal investigation service on Tel. 0231/132-7441.

There is no such vaccination certificate check at your home address!

The police also advise:

• There is no such vaccination certificate check at your home address - neither by the police, health department or other institutions. Anyone who approaches you with this alleged order is therefore doing so with other intentions - with the wrong intentions: to gain access to your apartment or house.
• The general rule is: Be suspicious of strangers who demand entry into your apartment, even though you have neither invited them nor been informed of such a visit in advance (for example by the manager, landlord or other authorities). It is your right not to let strangers into your apartment!
• And if in doubt, it is your right to put these people off by first checking with the company or authority whether there is a corresponding order at your address.
• In any case, the following also applies: If you have received a suspicious visit, inform the police via 110 - regardless of whether you recognized the fraud and sent the person away or, in the worst case, even became a victim of a trick theft, for example.
• The police also advise: Be attentive to neighbors and relatives! Inform older people in your environment about these scams and offer to be available if they feel uncomfortable in a situation. Report any suspicious observations in your neighborhood to the police immediately!

Source: Dortmund police