Fraud alert: Police warn of dangerous shock calls in Geratal!

Fraud alert: Police warn of dangerous shock calls in Geratal!

This afternoon, the Ilmenau police received a worrying report about a so-called shock call that caused a 79-year-old woman to become very upset. In this perfidious fraud attempt, the callers pretended that a close relative was involved in a fatal traffic accident and urgently needed financial support. The scammers demanded a deposit, which understandably caused the senior citizen to panic. Fortunately, the woman managed to end the conversation in time so that she did not suffer any financial loss. However, the danger of such calls should not be underestimated: the police advise that older relatives in particular be informed about this scam. Gotha Current even reports an increasing number of such incidents.

What exactly are shock calls? These are attempted scams in which callers pretend to be relatives or representatives of authorities. The aim is to get victims to hand over money or valuables, often under the pretext that they need to help a family member in need. Older people who are put under pressure in such situations are often particularly affected. Police emphasize that fraudsters often mention a traffic accident and claim that the victim's treatment can only be paid in cash. Other variants claim that a deposit is urgently needed and the fraudsters put victims under enormous time pressure to force quick decisions. Like the page of the Police advice center explains, many victims only realize too late that they have fallen victim to fraud.

Police warnings

Police recommend clear action for anyone who receives such calls. If you are unsure, you should first call the emergency number 110 - and not the callback button on the phone. It is important to end the conversation immediately if you feel pressured and not be afraid to contact family members on a known number. Personal or financial information should never be revealed over the telephone. It is also important that no money or valuables are handed over to unknown people. Police officials emphasize that no official callers should ever demand cash or valuables. If the phone rings and such a demand is made, the local police station should be consulted immediately.

This fraud has now taken on a larger dimension, as the Federal Criminal Police Office has done in its current one Warning notice explained. The perpetrators often work in groups and take turns making calls, making it difficult for victims to recognize the scam. It is all the more important to be vigilant and to sensitize relatives to this problem. The police themselves are also often contacted by concerned family members concerned about their elderly relatives.

Anyone affected by a shock call or who has questions can also contact national victim advice centers such as the “WEISSER RING”. They offer support and advice - reachable on the nationwide number 116 006. It is of the utmost importance to obtain information early on and to ensure active education in order to protect older citizens in our society.