Law enforcement agencies issue a caution about a fraudulent scheme.
The police department in Hamburg has reported an increase in cases involving a fraud scheme that has been ongoing since April 2025. The crime scenes are scattered throughout the city, and the modus operandi is concerning.
According to the police department, the perpetrators use a fake card reader in the victim's home to obtain their PIN. They often claim to be employees of a telephone provider, gaining access to apartments under false pretenses.
The fraudsters promise a cash payment but renege on their promise. Victims are also asked to pay alleged repair costs of around five euros using their EC card. Although the transactions fail, the perpetrators manage to obtain the PIN and the corresponding bank card.
The financial loss for victims, due to the reported incidents, is in the mid-five-digit range. It is crucial for residents to be vigilant and aware of these scams to protect themselves and their assets.
The police cybercrime division (Polizeiliche Cybercrime-Einheit) is responsible for investigating incidents involving fraudsters using fake card readers to obtain PINs from victims' homes. For more information on doorstep fraud/theft, residents can visit the police department's website at https://www.polizei.hamburg/haustuerbetrug-a-792004.
The police department's website also offers tips on how to prevent doorstep fraud/theft. For more detailed information, residents can visit https://www.polizei-beratung.de/themen-und-tipps/betrug/haustuerbetrug/.
Two perpetrators have been identified so far. No specific description of Perpetrator 1 is provided, but Perpetrator 2 is described as sometimes presenting an ID card and often wearing dark clothing.
For media inquiries, please contact SΓΆren Zimbal at +49 40 4286-56214 or [email protected].
