Grandchildren's trick fraud on the rise: Federal Network Agency switches off almost 8,000 phone numbers

Digital progress brings with it a variety of advantages, but also downsides that pose a threat to our society. In an ever-increasing sea of ​​technology and communications, criminals are looking for new ways to deceive unsuspecting victims.

The Federal Network Agency , watchdog of our telecommunications, recently reported that it had to block around 8,000 phone numbers this year. But what is behind this frightening number? A perfidious scam that targets many of us: the grandchild trick.

The grandchild trick: A treacherous story

Ringtones and vibrating smartphones – they have become our constant companions. But the sounds that connect us with friends, family and business partners can also portend disaster. Almost 6,000 of the disconnected numbers were related to a particularly devious scam: the grandchild trick. Criminals posing as relatives have perfected the ability to quickly and emotionally manipulate their victims.

Brazen tall tale: The grandchild trick in action

The scammers use a ruthless mix of lies and urgency to captivate their victims. They pose as close family members who are in financial distress.

Whether it's an alleged accident, an emergency operation or the urgent payment for a purchase - the stories vary, but the goal is always the same: the victims should fall into the trap out of pity or concern for their relatives. The perpetrators make contact via SMS or messenger service and create a desperate situation that forces them to take action.

The devil is in the details: perfecting the scam

The perpetrators are extremely clever in convincing their victims. They don't let up and bombard their victims with repeated contact attempts until they are finally willing to pay. Cash and valuables should then be picked up by an alleged acquaintance of the alleged relative. A vicious circle that, tragically, often ends in financial disaster for the victims.

Federal Network Agency acts: Targeting phone number misuse

“Even after 20 years, the fight against phone number misuse has lost none of its importance,” emphasizes Klaus Müller, President of the Federal Network Agency . The agency is aggressively addressing this fraudulent threat. She warns urgently not to respond to such contact attempts and to give out personal data or money.

The simple rule applies: If alleged relatives suddenly contact you with new phone numbers, you should always make sure that the contact is real before transferring money.

The perfidious evolution: Fraudsters imitate voices

The Thuringia consumer advice center recently warned of a particularly sophisticated variant of the grandchild trick. The fraudsters use voice fragments from social networks to pretend to be relatives on the phone. Thanks to artificial intelligence, they are able to imitate the voices in a deceptively realistic manner. A frightening step into a new era of grandchild trickery.

Conclusion: Vigilance is key

The grandchild trick remains a serious threat to people of all ages. In a world where technology and humanity are closely linked, we must remain vigilant. The shocking number of telephone numbers being switched off shows how important it is to find out about such scams and protect yourself. Our knowledge and caution are our best allies against the dark machinations of fraudsters.

Finally, we would like to invite you to sign up for the Mimikama newsletter to receive regular updates on the latest scams and security tips. Our media education offerings are an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge of online security and protect yourself even better. Your protection is important to us!

Source:

Federal Network Agency , Thuringia Consumer Center

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Notes:
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