A frightening example of fraud lurking on the Internet is the case of a 59-year-old man from Greven who fell victim to a sophisticated messenger scam. The incident shows how fraudsters use the anonymity of the internet to lure unsuspecting victims into their traps.
Messenger fraud
In November 2023, the man received a friend request from an unknown woman via a messenger service. Despite the lack of a personal connection, he accepted the request, which turned out to be a fatal mistake.
During the conversation, the stranger suggested a tempting investment that would supposedly pay for itself in a very short time. Unsuspectingly, the Grevener invested a considerable six-figure amount by the beginning of January 2024. However, as further calls for investment followed, his mistrust grew and he decided to file a complaint.
The tactics of fraudsters: how they select and manipulate their victims
This type of fraud often follows a certain pattern: the perpetrators carefully select their victims and use social platforms to build trust. With the promise of a quick profit or other tempting offers, victims are tricked into investing money or disclosing personal information. Victims often realize too late that they have been cheated.
Prevention and measures: How you can protect yourself
The police warn urgently about the dangers of such scams and give important tips on how to protect yourself from them:
- Be wary of unsolicited friend requests, especially if you don't know the person.
- Never respond to demands for money or supposedly lucrative investment offers from strangers.
- In the event of fraud, do not hesitate to report it to the police.
- If you have already made payments, contact your bank immediately. In some cases it is possible to stop transfers or recover funds.
Questions and answers:
Question 1: How can you protect yourself from such scams?
Answer 1: Be careful with unsolicited messenger contacts and do not transfer money to strangers. Do your research before investing in projects.
Question 2: What to do if you are a victim of fraud?
Answer 2: Report the matter to the police immediately and contact the bank to keep the financial damage as low as possible.
Question 3: How do the fraudsters operate?
Answer 3: You build trust through social media and lure people with attractive but false promises.
Question 4: Are older people more likely to be victims of such scams?
Answer 4: Yes, older people are often targeted because they are considered to be less tech-savvy.
Question 5: Can you get your money back if you've been scammed?
Answer 5: In some cases yes, especially if you act quickly. The bank can help stop the transfer or refund the money.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the need to stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself from such scams. It is important to always be aware of the risks associated with online communications and financial transactions. Be skeptical and do your research before accepting offers or revealing personal information.
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Source: Press portal
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Notes:
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