Imagine you are comfortably at home, smartphone in hand, and receive a message from your daughter. It seems urgent - a request for help with financial difficulties. Who wouldn't intervene immediately? That's exactly what happened to a 59-year-old woman from Paderborn. But what initially seemed like a simple act of assistance quickly turned out to be a well-orchestrated scam.
The staged message
It started with a simple text message that the woman received from her “daughter”. She claimed that her cell phone was broken and that she had to make urgent transfers. In good faith and with the intention of helping her daughter, the mother made the requested transfers. Unfortunately, the money she sent was not to her daughter, but to previously unknown scammers.

Smartphone Fraud: A Repeating Pattern
This is by no means an isolated incident. Police warn that this is a widespread scam. The perpetrators make contact via a messenger service, claim to have a new phone number because they have lost their old cell phone, and then ask for financial help to pay an alleged bill. Victims, believing they are helping a family member, often give in and transfer money that they never see again.
Prevention is the best protection
So how can we protect ourselves from such scams? The Paderborn police have some useful tips:
- Show skepticism: It's important to be suspicious when you receive messages from unknown numbers, even if the person claims to be someone you know.
- Confirm Identity: Before responding to such a message or transferring money, you should take the time to confirm the person's identity. Call the person at the number you know and confirm the situation.
- Stop communication: If you are asked to transfer money, be particularly vigilant. If something is wrong, stop communication immediately.
- File a criminal complaint: If you become a victim of such a scam, you should file a criminal complaint immediately. This can help others avoid falling into the same trap.
Conclusion
In a world where our lives are increasingly moving into the digital sphere, it is essential that we are aware of the dangers that can come with it. Fraud is not new, but the way it is carried out is constantly changing. That's why it's important to stay informed and vigilant.
The story of the 59-year-old woman from Paderborn is a sobering example of how quickly someone can become involved in a scam. But it is also a reminder that vigilance and common sense are our best weapons against such tactics. Stay safe, stay alert and don't let your smartphone shock you!
Also read: The Great Deception: Why the Ultimate Truth Could Be Just a Myth!
Source:
Press portal
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