Due to current events, the Oberhausen police are once again warning against the so-called “grandchild trick” and are giving tips on how to protect themselves against this devious scam.
On Wednesday afternoon, December 7th, an 82-year-old Oberhausen woman reported to the police an attempted grandchild fraud in the Alt Oberhausen area.
In this case, the fraudster introduced herself as a granddaughter and asked for a large amount of money. She said she wanted to buy a car. The senior citizen recognized the intention to defraud and ended the phone call.
The “grandchild trick”
Older people often fall victim to tricksters. A particularly sneaky trick is the so-called “grandchild trick”.
Seniors are called here.
During the conversation, the criminals spin a perfidious network of lies and try to cheat their helpful victims out of a lot of money.
Especially now in the run-up to Christmas, people like to appeal to people's compassion. But there is not always a good intention behind it.
We therefore again ask you to be more attentive and careful if you are asked or pressured for money by alleged relatives/acquaintances over the telephone.
We also ask relatives to inform their older family members about the so-called “grandchild trick”.
Police behavior tips
- Be particularly suspicious of requests for money over the phone! Never give money to unknown people.
- Make sure that the caller is really a relative and call their relatives immediately on the number you know and have the facts confirmed.
- Hang up if the other person demands money or jewelry. Do not reveal family or financial details.
- If you receive such a call, ask the caller things that only real relatives can know.
- If you hear a call that seems suspicious, inform the police immediately on the emergency number 110.
Get in touch with our senior security advisor from the Oberhausen police (0208 8264511). They are specially trained men and women who volunteer to visit seniors and inform them how to protect themselves from becoming victims of crime.
Source: Oberhausen police
Notes:
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