The stories sound almost too adventurous to be true: fake carpet dealers, alleged water workers or even alleged police officers who gain access to apartments and steal valuables. Exactly such scenarios - in reality part of fraud schemes - have recently taken place in Dortmund. What initially seems like a friendly call can quickly turn into a nightmare if you're not careful.
Perfidious scam with an alleged gift
The fraudsters are extremely clever: for example, they pose on the phone as representatives of carpet shops and claim to have started a campaign to give gifts to long-standing customers. A tempting offer that creates trust among many people. But behind the apparent generosity there are sinister intentions.
In a recent incident in Lünen, a 94-year-old senior woman fell victim to this perfidious scam. Two men pretended to want to give her a gift. This is how they gained access to her apartment. While she was distracted, the fraudsters searched for valuables and stole them. Only later did the elderly woman notice the theft and alert the police.
How you can protect yourself from such scams
The Dortmund police provide clear information on how you can protect yourself from such scams:
- Inform those around you: Make older people around you aware of these tricks. By sharing stories of scammers, you can help prevent such acts.
- Be skeptical: If you are asked to transfer money or provide personal information over the phone, you should be suspicious. The police in particular would never ask for valuables.
- Question quick decisions: Be suspicious if you are pressured to make quick decisions or if you are contacted by strangers. Asking for absolute discretion can also be a warning signal.
- Don't share sensitive information: Don't share information about your financial situation or your family over the phone.
- Hang up: As soon as the person you are talking to asks you for money, end the conversation immediately.
- Do not hand over valuables to strangers: Do not let strangers into your apartment. Never hand over money or valuables.
- Be careful with phone book entries: Fraudsters often look for potential victims in the phone book. Older people are particularly affected by this. Ask yourself whether your entry in the phone book is still necessary.
Conclusion: Together against fraud
The most recent fraud cases in Dortmund show that trick thieves are always finding new ways to take advantage of gullible people. The police warn urgently against perfidious telephone tricks in which fraudsters pose as carpet dealers or similar in order to get into apartments. The best defense against these types of scams is knowing how they work. By educating those around us and remaining vigilant, we can help stop the perpetrators.
Don't miss important alerts about the latest scams! Subscribe to the Mimikama newsletter and stay up to date. You can also take advantage of our media literacy offering to better protect yourself and your family from fraudsters.
Source:
Dortmund Police
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