Unknown perpetrators make contact via messenger services and pose as relatives. It is regularly stated that the phone number displayed is the new contact number for the relatives. You will then be asked to transfer funds because you are in an emergency situation or are currently unable to make transfers yourself.

Stay alert!

“Hello mom, my phone broke.
Here is my new number. You can delete the old number.” “Hello Dad, my cell phone was water damaged. Here is my new cell phone number. Can you please overwrite the old number.”

In most cases, the first contacts related to fraud begin via messenger services. 

Behavioral instructions:

  • In all cases, consult your relatives by telephone or contact them on the “old” number. If you have any doubts about your identity, contact the police. This will check whether criminal activity has occurred and, if necessary, initiate a complaint procedure.  
  • Do not make a transfer based solely on chat history. 
  • If necessary, save the chat history with screenshots, as the corresponding messages are usually subsequently deleted by the unknown perpetrators and do not disclose any further personal data. The screenshots can be important evidence in a criminal case.

Please ensure that this is widely known in your environment.

A real case (video)

Please note that the video is a real case. The perpetrators adapt to their victims. The way may be different.

Please also read: WhatsApp: “Hello Mom” – This is how cleverly a conversation goes

Source: Bavaria Police > Prevention campaign via messenger against new form of fraud


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Notes:
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