They use a pretext to try to gain access, for example to apartment buildings or apartments, in order to supposedly work on the heating systems, which are often located in unlocked rooms. The criminals do not hesitate to fake emergency situations, such as a car breakdown.
often ring the doorbell, especially senior citizens, and pretend to be tradesmen and claim that they have been sent by the property management to repair damage to the heating system or a burst water pipe. As soon as the victims let them into the apartment, they distract them and look for loot: cash, jewelry and other valuables.
Fraudsters are inventive
This is just one example of many : Basically there are only a few tricks, but fraudsters are always coming up with new variations . They appear in very different roles: as people in need of help, as craftsmen in work clothes or serious representatives or even as supposed officials in order to deceive you.
Therefore, never let strangers into your apartment!
Police tips to protect yourself from fake tradesmen
- Appoint unknown people again at a later date and bring in someone you trust. Only open the door to unknown people when the locking bar is presented.
- Only allow employees from craft businesses or property management into your apartment who you have ordered yourself or who have been announced in advance by your property management. The same applies to supposed public utility staff or those reading gas/electricity meters.
- As a general rule, ask officials to show your ID card and check it carefully for print, photo and stamp. If in doubt, call the appropriate authority before entering. Be sure to find their phone number yourself!
Don't let yourself be put under pressure . Defend yourself vigorously against intrusive visitors, speak to them loudly or call for help and, if you observe suspicious strangers in the building, do not hesitate to call the police on the emergency number 110.
You can find comprehensive information here:
- Doorstep fraud
- Trick theft in the apartment
- Protection from dubious tradesmen
- Information on protection against many forms of crime in the free brochure for seniors: Living safely in old age
Source:
polizei-beratung.de
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