Con artists repeatedly try to steal amounts of money using the so-called grandchild trick. Older people in particular are at risk.

Both the Ratzeburg and Neubrandenburg police warn of con artists who primarily target older citizens and steal money using the so-called grandchild trick.

Press release from the Ratzeburg police:

Con artists stole a five-figure amount of cash in Wesenberg last Friday (November 29, 2019). A caller pretended to be the daughter of an 87-year-old on the phone and described having financial difficulties settling claims with the insurance company after an alleged traffic accident. The criminal police have started the investigation.

According to the current state of the investigation, the alleged daughter contacted Wesenberger by telephone and described that she needed cash to settle damages following a traffic accident. She referred to an employee at a car dealership who would contact the injured party immediately. After the designated car dealership employee contacted the 87-year-old and the information seemed consistent, the pensioner agreed to lend his daughter the money.

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The perpetrators also gave the pensioner tips on how to make an excuse to a bank employee if he was suspicious about the amount of the withdrawal. The Wesenberger then drove to a bank branch and withdrew a five-figure amount of money. As in the previously agreed telephone call with the car dealership employee, a woman then appeared on foot at his address to receive the cash. She was described as being around 160 cm tall, of slim build, with black hair and around 30 years old.

Shortly after handing over the money, the injured party became suspicious and asked his family, which is how he realized the fraud and reported it to the police.

The Bad Oldesloe criminal police have started the investigation and are looking for witnesses:

Who noticed a woman, around 30 years old, around 160 cm tall, slim build, black hair, without glasses, late on Friday afternoon in Wesenberg, Am Mühlenteich? Anyone who can provide information is asked to contact the police on 04531/501-0.

The police advise you to always be skeptical about such calls. Don't be taken by surprise and end the conversation. Call your friend/grandchild/relative back using the numbers you know to make sure.

Inform the police via 110 if you receive such calls.

Press release from the Neubrandenburg police:

A grandchild trick was successful in Ribnitz-Damgarten yesterday (December 2nd, 2019). An 84-year-old lost over EUR 10,000.

At around 4:00 p.m., the alleged nephew called the elderly woman. He asked the typical question “Don’t you know who’s here?!” He reported that he had bought a condominium and was still EUR 40,000 short. The injured party made it clear to him that she currently only had around EUR 10,000. They agreed to hand it over to an acquaintance of the nephew.

This man also appeared at the elderly woman's house that same evening. She handed him the sum in a plastic bag on her doorstep. The man looked “foreign” and spoke with an accent. The injured party estimated he was between 40 and 50 years old.

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In the evening, the injured party called her real relatives. The fraud became apparent.

The fraudsters are currently using the run-up to Christmas for their various scams. Grimmen received several calls from unknown suspects who promised to win a Christmas raffle and demanded fees for the notary. Those called didn't fall for it.

You might also be interested in: Alternative title: “Dear” scammer who wanted to rip off my grandma for €10,000.

Sources: Ratzeburg Police , Neubrandenburg Police
Article image: Shutterstock / By Kaspars Grinvalds


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