The cybercrime investigators of the Göttingen police are currently registering an increasing number of crimes in connection with so-called online trading. Chief Detective Christian Kalinowski from the Central Criminal Investigation Department of the Göttingen Police Department believes that reason enough to explain the new scam in detail and warn against it.
But what exactly is “online trading” and how do the perpetrators operate?
Investigator Kalinowski:
“It is the crimes that are probably currently causing the greatest financial damage to private individuals: fraudulent acts in connection with so-called online trading platforms. The perpetrators put a platform online that supposedly makes profits that are well above average. They advertise these on the Internet and, among other things, rely on celebrities who have also allegedly invested successfully.
As soon as the victims have registered on the platform, they are contacted by the supposed investment advisor and the further process is explained to them. The business model is opaque for many. Unfortunately, because of the promised profits and the skillful conversation, the victims are often persuaded to invest what is initially a small amount. Victims often also install remote maintenance software on their PC in order to receive technical support from the alleged broker.
The deposit can be tracked on the homepage programmed by the perpetrators in the victim's account. The first profits are quickly visible there. “Thanks to the close contact with the alleged investment advisor and the ever-increasing profits, the victims can be persuaded to make further deposits,” explains the chief detective.
Actions in the PI Göttingen
Kalinovsky:
“In the area of responsibility of the Göttingen police station, a case is known from 2021 in which an injured party suffered damage amounting to around 1.6 million euros. In a case from 2022, damage amounting to over 600,000 euros occurred. However, there are also known cases in which the injured parties were already sure that it was fraud, but out of curiosity they still made the initial investment of around 250 euros.
However, the same applies to all cases: 'The supposed investment is only a profit for the perpetrators - the victims suffer a total loss!' If investors want to have their supposed winnings paid out, alleged fees are due, which must be paid first.
If these alleged fees are paid, this money will also be gone. Even in the event that the victims file a criminal complaint or tell the perpetrators that they have recognized the fraud, the perpetrators are prepared. After a little delay, an alleged lawyer or an alleged foreign investigative agency gets in touch and announces that the fraud gang has been caught and the funds have been secured. E-mails are currently circulating in which it is claimed that the data of the person being addressed has been saved on a confiscated hard drive.
To support the investigation, you should register in an online form. No matter which path the perpetrators choose; Here, too, there are fees that the injured parties have to pay in order to get their money back. Many people find it difficult to distinguish fraudulent trading platforms from legitimate investment transactions.”
How can you protect yourself from such fraud?
Chief Detective Christian Kalinowski advises:
- Be skeptical if profits are advertised that are far above average. – Hang up if you receive unwanted commercial calls. – If necessary, consult your bank advisor at your bank if you plan to invest money in a new financial product that is unknown to you.
- Legal financial providers do not use remote maintenance software to sell their products.
- Therefore, do not allow third-party access to your devices.
- Hang up if you receive unwanted commercial calls.
- If you have become a victim, report it to the local police station. Contact your bank to see whether reversals are possible. – Don’t become a victim of a follow-up scam by sending more payments to people who promise to recover the lost money.
source
Göttingen police station
Related to the topic: Fraudsters fish for victims on the Internet (cryptocurrency)
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