Fake bank employees and police officers on the phone – How to prevent and combat fraud attempts

Technology has made it easier for us to access a variety of services. Banking at the touch of a button, fast information transfer and seamlessly networked communication are now normal. But increasing technology also has its downsides - one of which is fraud by fake bank employees and police officers.

How does this scam work?

The scam starts with a phone call. Someone pretending to be a bank employee warns you about supposedly suspicious withdrawals from your account. To get to the bottom of the matter, he asks you for your personal information or your bank details. You just want to help, right?

But the wolf has only just begun to wrap itself in sheep's clothing. This first call is followed by a second one, this time from someone posing as a police officer, usually from the fraud squad. They say they are investigating the fake charges and ask for additional personal information. But this is also a fake police officer.

How do you recognize the scammers?

The scammers are sophisticated and well-organized, but there are still some signs that may indicate something is wrong:

• The calls come unexpectedly and often at inconvenient times.
• The scammers try to put pressure on you by pretending to have an urgent problem.
• You ask for personal information or bank details on the phone.
• They want to trick you into transferring money to another account.
• The phone numbers displayed are constantly changing, are obviously false or an attempt is made to falsify the actual number of the bank or police station.

How can you protect yourself?

Prevention is the best protection against this type of fraud. Here are some precautions:

• Never give out personal information over the phone, especially bank details.
• If you are unsure, end what may be a "fake" conversation and call your bank or the police to verify the information.
• Do not share information about your financial situation or personal information with strangers.
• If you receive such a call, write down the number shown, the name of the caller and their callback number. Then inform the police by calling “110”.

What should you do if you are a victim?

If you have already fallen victim to such a scam, it is important not to panic. Instead, follow these steps:

1. Contact your bank immediately and inform them of the fraud involving the fake employees.
2. Report the incident to the police.
3. Secure all evidence such as phone numbers, names, emails or text messages.
4. Educate friends and family to warn them of similar scams.

Conclusion: The threat from fake bank tellers and police officers is real and can have serious consequences. It is important to be vigilant, never give out personal information over the phone and if you suspect anything, inform the police immediately. Stay alert, stay safe! Because as the saying goes? Better safe than sorry!

Also read: Knights in the Bundeswehr in Lithuania: A fact check

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