Fraudsters pretend to be police officers: seniors are in danger!
Scammers pose as police officers to trick senior citizens. Police warn of the current scams in Schmalkalden and Bad Liebenstein.

Fraudsters pretend to be police officers: seniors are in danger!
Last week there was an alarming series of scam calls in Schmalkalden and Bad Liebenstein, particularly targeting older people. How insuedthueringen.de Reportedly, at least ten calls were documented in which the perpetrators pretended to be police officers or detectives. The scammers use fictitious names and ranks to inspire trust and advance their malicious plans.
The fraudsters' scam is perfidious: They claim that when burglars were arrested, personal data of the person they called were found on a USB stick. The aim of the callers is to obtain information about the seniors' valuables, jewelry and cash. Fortunately, everyone called recognized the fraud attempts in good time and did not reveal any information. A woman hung up after the caller threatened to pick her up personally if she didn't cooperate with him.
The dangers for seniors
Scams like this often target older people. Loud pflegehilfe-senioren.de It is important to make this target group aware of the various tricks and lies in order to avoid financial losses. The most common types of fraud include the grandchild trick and shock calls. The perpetrators pose as relatives and try to get money under pressure.
Criminals also put pressure on seniors by claiming to be in need or offering them “thriving deals.” The fact is: real civil servants never ask about personal property or financial resources on the phone. Particular caution is required here, as the police repeatedly emphasize. Unknown callers should immediately be viewed as suspicious and, if in doubt, notified the police on the emergency number 110.
Fraud prevention tips
Recent incidents and the type of fraud attempts illustrate the importance of education and prevention. The Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth has published the brochure “Guess whose turn it is?” published. This provides information about the common scams used by fraudsters and gives valuable tips on how to protect yourself. Advice includes being suspicious of strangers and not giving out personal information over the phone, like bmfsfj.de emphasized.
- Skepsis bei unbekannten Anrufen
- Identität des Anrufers durch gezielte Fragen überprüfen
- Unter Druck gesetzte Senioren sollten die Situation überdenken
- Angehörige informieren und verdächtige Anrufe der Polizei melden
- Wertsachen in einem Safe aufbewahren
Protecting seniors from various scams requires collective action and increased awareness among society. Education, information and mutual assistance are essential to support this vulnerable group and ensure their financial security.