Fraudsters via telephones. - Police fraud is on the rise.
Germany witnesses numerous fraud attempts daily, and some scammers even succeed in stealing money. In the first quarter of 2024, the authorities in Rhineland-Palatinate responded to around 1100 instances of fraud involving phony cops. Forty-six of these attempts resulted in financial loss, totaling almost €1.3 million, according to Interior Minister Michael Ebling (57, SPD) in response to a query from CDU parliamentarians in Mainz.
To illustrate, in 2023, Rhineland-Palatinate experienced approximately 3700 scams and 152 successful ones, resulting in over €4.5 million loss.
Scammers' clever deceptions
These con artists employ swift words, create an emotional environment, and manage to put their targets in a specific emotional state.
The BKA, Germany's Federal Criminal Investigation Office, has compiled a list of the latest fabrications FBI agents employ:
- "A close relative is involved in a traffic accident and has to pay bail."
- "The police have apprehended burglars or robbers in the area, and your belongings/money are now being stored by the police for safety."
- "Bank employees are engaged in criminal activities. These employees are instructed to withdraw cash from the bank counter and then hand it over to law enforcement officers for fingerprinting."
Former prevention officer and current head of the German Police Union in Berlin, Bodo Pfalzgraf (60), urges caution: "If you hear any of these phrases, hang up immediately." Police officers do not solicit money, don't inquire about personal assets, and have no interest in seizing valuables due to pending burglaries.
Fake IDs and arrest warrants
Criminals are not deterred by visiting their targets' homes directly. "They aren't wary of showing fake IDs," reads the police crime prevention website. This enables them to enter homes and steal jewelry and cash.
Additionally, criminals employ the mail: in the past, they have mailed out false arrest warrants, claiming that those who refuse to pay face arrest.
Thus, Bodo Pfalzgraf reminds the public to be wary and ask for counsel from a family member or acquaintance and notify the police if they suspect any fraud.
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Source: symclub.org
