The scammers primarily target older people.

As the LKA Rhineland-Palatinate informs, there is an increasing number of cases in which mainly older people become victims of tricksters who pose as police officers on the phone.

The aim of the fraudsters is to gain the trust of victims with made-up stories and to pressure them into handing over cash, jewelry and other valuables. The State Criminal Police Office and the Rhineland-Palatinate consumer advice center explain the fraud and give tips on how those affected can protect themselves.

Since 2015, the Rhineland-Palatinate State Criminal Police Office has recorded a growing trend in cases and damage.

Last year, the number of cases increased fivefold to 1,620 compared to 2016. Although there were ultimately “only” 32 completed crimes in 2017, the damage was still enormous at around 1.5 million euros. Not to mention the psychological consequences that victims have to deal with after the crime. A similar trend will continue in 2018.

The tricksters' approach is always the same nationwide:

The first contact is made over the telephone. The fraudsters use a special technology that causes the emergency number 110 (with or without area code) or the number of the local police station to appear on the victim's number display when they call.

Using a pretext such as that the police have information about a planned break-in, the fraudsters always manage to credibly convey to their pre-selected victims that money and valuables are not safe in the house. Therefore, everything would have to be brought to safety and handed over to a plainclothes police officer who would come by.

Since the perpetrators are extremely trustworthy and rhetorically clever , it is often very difficult for those affected to see through the fraud. If a victim does react suspiciously, they are put under pressure by being accused of hindering a police investigation if they do not cooperate and undertake to maintain absolute secrecy.

The most important tips and advice from the police and consumer advice centers in brief:

  • The police never call the police emergency number 110!
  • If you are unsure, dial 110. However, do not use the callback button , otherwise you may end up back with the scammers, but instead dial the number yourself.
  • Never talk about your personal and financial circumstances !
  • The police will never ask you to hand over your valuables !
  • Never allow yourself to be put under pressure. Just hang up the phone!
  • Educate older family members, neighbors and acquaintances!

Do you think you have been a victim of fraud?

Contact the local police station immediately and file a report!


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