Telephone fraud (“shock call”): When the “police” call

In Singen, a town in the Konstanz district, an elderly woman recently became the victim of a sophisticated scam - the so-called shock call. The case occurred on the afternoon of March 7, 2024, when the senior citizen received a call from an unknown person posing as a police officer. She told a story that is unfortunately no longer uncommon: A close relative, in this case her brother, caused a fatal traffic accident and is now in custody. In order to get him released, bail must be paid.

The fake police officer took a clever approach and asked about all of the woman's assets. Finally, she got the elderly woman to put cash and valuables ready for collection. Another caller who identified himself as a court employee confirmed the story. In good faith, the woman handed over a bag containing her valuables to the unknown collector. A short time later she was contacted again and asked to get more cash. Luckily, a bank employee became suspicious and alerted the police.

The scammers' approach

This scam, known as a “shock call,” specifically plays on the fears and worries of those being called. The perpetrators pose as government employees and invent dramatic scenarios to get their victims to hand over money and valuables. They often target older people, whom they consider to be more gullible and fearful.

Preventive measures

To protect yourself from such fraud attempts, it is important to remain skeptical and hang up immediately if you receive suspicious calls. You should then try to contact the allegedly affected family member or the police directly to verify the story. It is advisable to have the telephone number of the local police station handy and to call them if in doubt.

Questions and answers about shock calls:

Question 1: What should you do if you receive a suspicious call?
Answer 1: Hang up immediately and contact the allegedly affected family member or the real police directly via a known number.

Question 2: Do scammers target a specific group with shock calls?
Answer 2: Yes, older people are often chosen as victims because they are considered easier to manipulate.

Question 3: Do real police officers or court officials call for bail for the release of detainees?
Answer 3: No, neither police officers nor court employees request bail or the handover of valuables over the telephone.

Question 4: What can you do if you don't have the ability to download information from the Internet?
Answer 4: Ask family members, friends or neighbors for help or contact the local police station directly.

Question 5: Where can you find out about scams?
Answer 5: You can find information and tips on various scams on the police website at https://www.polizei-beratung.de

Conclusion

The incident in Singen is an alarming example of how sophisticated and unscrupulous fraudsters can be to get their victims' money and valuables. It is extremely important to be aware of such scams and to take the right steps if you suspect them. Education and awareness-raising, especially among older people, play a crucial role. The police offer extensive information and tips on how to protect yourself on their website.

We also recommend subscribing to the Mimikama newsletter at https://www.mimikama.org/mimikama-newsletter/ and the online lectures and workshops at https://www.mimikama.education/online-vortrag-von -mimikama/ to use. In this way, everyone can help protect themselves and those around them from such criminal acts.

Source: presseportal.de ; Here is another case: pre esseportal.de

Also read:

• PayPal alert: General terms and conditions changes attract phishing scammers
• McDonald's employee: profit of 64,820 euros?
• Fraud against seniors: crime scene telephone