Our cooperation partner Watchlist Internet expressly warns against alleged calls from the police!

The course of the call

When you call, a recorded voice will be played explaining to you in English that you have committed a crime. To learn more, you should tap button 1. As soon as you do this, you will be told that you are speaking to an Austrian police officer, but continue to speak in English. This fake police officer then asks for your name and credit card number.

Hang up immediately and do not provide any information!

Criminals use real phone numbers

In this scam, ordinary telephone numbers with the usual area codes are displayed on the screen. Caution: The number display has been manipulated; in reality you will not be called by the number displayed. This concealment of the telephone number is called “telephone spoofing”.

Some people have reported to us that their phone number is being used in this scam. Real phone numbers are misused in fraudulent calls.

Is your phone number being used for fraudulent calls?

Do you get a lot of calls or messages from numbers you don't recognize? You will likely be called back by people who did not answer the fraudulent call.

Here's what you can do if you keep getting calls:

  • The criminals have most likely made countless calls with your number on the screen.
  • Changing your phone number is the only way out here.
  • Also file a police report .

Are there any costs now?

If your phone number has been misused, you will not incur any costs. It just looks like the call came from your number. Outgoing calls are not billed to your number.

How do I protect myself from scam calls?

  • Do not share personal information over the phone, including passwords, credit card numbers, addresses, etc.
  • There is fraud behind a recorded voice.
  • If the Austrian police contacted you, they would not speak to you in English.
  • Hang up if you feel strange about the call!
  • Be careful of call center noises in the background.
  • Do you receive frequent calls from a number? Block them. For Android phones, see the Google support page and for iPhones, see the Apple support page .

I followed the instructions, now what?

  • Did you tap button 1 and enter your credit card number? Call your credit card company and tell them what happened. You will probably have to block your card so that criminals cannot withdraw money.
  • Report the telephone number to the telephone number misuse reporting center .
  • Report it to the police .

Advice & help

For specific advice requests, please contact the relevant offices that Watchlist Internet has listed for you Advice & Help

You might also be interested in:Do NOT give your personal information to strangers over the phone

Source : Watchlist Internet


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