A 19-year-old man collecting money was temporarily arrested on Friday around 2:30 p.m. by officers from the Karlsruhe criminal police when he handed over 40,000 euros after a previous “shock call” on Werderstrasse.
According to current investigations, fraudsters tricked an 82-year-old woman over the phone into believing that the woman's granddaughter had caused a serious traffic accident. Only by paying a deposit of 50,000 euros could the granddaughter be averted from prison. The older woman subsequently spoke to alleged police officers and prosecutors by telephone. Ultimately, the fraudsters agreed with the 82-year-old on a bail amount of 40,000 euros. The older lady then went onto the street as requested by the callers - believing that this was the only way she could save her granddaughter from the threat of imprisonment - and handed the cash over to the 19-year-old accused.
Shortly afterwards, detectives were able to temporarily arrest the person collecting the money and seize the 40,000 euros.
On Saturday, at the request of the public prosecutor, the suspect was brought before the responsible magistrate, who issued an arrest warrant. The criminal investigation department responsible for fraud offenses has taken over the investigation.
Due to current circumstances, the criminal police and the Karlsruhe public prosecutor's office would like to once again point out the “grandchild trick” and “fake police officer” fraud schemes in general. Recently there has been an increasing number of such calls from predominantly older citizens in the city and district of Karlsruhe.
Please note the following:
- The police will never call you on the police emergency number 110.
- Don't let yourself be put under pressure on the phone. Put down the phone. How to get rid of scammers.
- Become suspicious of requests for quick decisions, contact with strangers, and handing over personal information, cash, jewelry, or valuables.
- Dial 110 and report the matter.
Do not use the call back button, otherwise you will end up back with the perpetrators. - Do not talk about your personal or financial circumstances on the phone.
- Consult with your family or people you trust.
- Make sure the caller is actually a relative. Hang up and then call the alleged relative back using his or her known phone number.
Source: Karlsruhe Police Headquarters
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