Attention, Pieschen! Fraudsters scare pensioner with shock call!

Attention, Pieschen! Fraudsters scare pensioner with shock call!

Last night was not a quiet night in Pieschen after unknown fraudsters tried to steal 30,000 euros from an 85-year-old lady. The perpetrators chose the perfidious ploy of a shock call and claimed that a family member had caused a serious accident. Despite the dramatic description, the senior woman refused to be intimidated and replied that she didn't have that much money, which eventually led the scammers to simply hang up. According to current police alerts, this type of phone scam is not new, but it remains sadly popular among scammers.

In this context, the Dresden police have published some useful tips to protect yourself against such invasive calls. Under no circumstances should you allow yourself to be put under pressure and it is better to talk to relatives or people you trust before considering any kind of payment. In addition, you should never hand over money to strangers or respond to short-term promises of profit. This sounds like common sense, but many of those affected are quickly prepared to trust their counterpart and pay out of fear or confusion in the final stages of the conversation.

A widespread phenomenon

But what methods do fraudsters use? The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) makes it clear that the perpetrators often pose as close relatives and even give the appearance of coming from state institutions in order to manipulate their victims. The callers often rely on emotional conversations and emphasize that financial help is urgently needed. This technology is particularly popular with older people, as they are often unsettled and find themselves in delicate situations.

The tricks are varied. The scammers pretend that a relative has been involved in a serious traffic accident and now needs immediate bail. It is even argued that money and valuables are no longer safe and must be taken to the police. In many cases, fraudsters use a second caller who acts as a police officer - a clever combination of different scams.

What to do if you suspect something?

The police strongly advise caution: If you receive such suspicious calls, you should immediately contact the local police station on 110 and never allow yourself to be pressured. If you feel unsafe, you are well advised to contact relatives using known numbers instead of following the callers. Unfortunately, so far the police have not been able to avoid victims of fraud in the region, so the general public should be well warned.
The alleged use of shock calls has increased significantly in recent months, showing that this scam remains a serious problem. There are always reports of how older people are put under pressure and ultimately lose large amounts of money. This makes it all the more important to remain vigilant and not allow yourself to be fooled.

There is support for all those who find themselves in such a situation: The “WEISSE RING” is available as a nationwide advice center - help can be requested by calling 116 006. There is also a wealth of information and resources on the Police Crime Prevention website.