Senior in the Vogelsberg district loses 60,000 euros due to a shock call!

Senior in the Vogelsberg district loses 60,000 euros due to a shock call!

In the Vogelsbergkreis region, the police have uncovered a worrying phenomenon. On June 10, a 70-year-old man was the victim of a so-called shock call in which he lost an innocent 60,000 euros, reports nh24.de. The caller, who pretended to be a police officer, warned the senior citizen about burglars and asked him to protect his savings. A short time later, the older man handed the money over in Freiensteinau-Radmühl to an unknown perpetrator, who is described as around 40 years old, 1.80 meters tall and bearded.

A particularly bold move: The fraudster wore dark clothing and took advantage of the victim's fear to get the money. The Lauterbach police are now looking for information about suspicious people or vehicles on Birsteiner Strasse. Similar calls have increased in East Hesse in recent days, leading to an urgent warning from the police.

Predatory fraud becomes routine

The machinations behind such shock calls are perfidious. The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) warns that this fraud is currently occurring more frequently again. Perpetrators often pose as close relatives and expose their victims in distress. They create the impression that urgent financial assistance is needed, often by claiming that relatives are involved in road accidents or criminal activity. Under pressure, the victims are forced to pay a “bail” or “compensation” in a shocking panic that clouds their judgment reports the BKA.

As the police report, it is often a well-coordinated system in which several callers work together and take turns in telephone communication. What's particularly insidious is that the callers often send someone to pick them up after handing over the sum in order to complete the fraud. Reports of such cases are alarming and police have already arrested some perpetrators said Deutschlandfunk.

How to protect yourself

Given these worrying facts, there is a range of prevention advice. Police recommend never giving out personal information and hanging up immediately on suspicious calls. In addition, relatives should be contacted at known numbers before responding to claims. Cash or valuables should never be handed over to strangers emphasizes the BKA.

It is often older people who are targeted by fraudsters. Therefore, education is key. Local police departments offer information and advice to seniors to inform them about current scams and give them the knowledge they need to protect themselves.

Finally, it remains to be said: Be vigilant and do not allow yourself to be put under pressure by shock calls. Trust your instincts and inform the police of any suspicious calls.