Fraudulent Stadtwerke employee attacks senior citizens in Bochum-Leithe!

Fraudulent Stadtwerke employee attacks senior citizens in Bochum-Leithe!

On Monday, March 17th, an outrageous fraud occurred in Bochum-Leithe, which was the goal of an 89-year-old victim. Two men who spoke as employees of the municipal utility company rang at the senior citizen's apartment door and gave to have to check heating. While one of the perpetrators got involved in a conversation, his accomplice searched the apartment for valuables and stolen jewelry worth several thousand euros. This reports Radio Ennepe Ruhr .

Both perpetrators were described as male, with a size of around 170 to 175 cm. While one of them was a corpulent and wore a black top, the other had a black top and gray pants. The corpulent perpetrator also spoke German with a strange accent. The police have started a witness call and asks the population to inform information on 0234 909-4135 or -4441 (crime guard). Gianna Isabella Kruck from the Bochum police is available for questions on 0234 909-1022.

The stitches of the fraudsters

The incident once again shows how unscrupulous fraudsters are, especially when it comes to the targeted exploitation of seniors. It is known that fraudsters often take advantage of the loneliness and helpfulness of older people. The methods you use are diverse and range from front door visits to phone calls to coffee trips. It is particularly important in these situations to be vigilant and not to get involved with strangers, as NDR emphasized.

One of the best -known fraud stitches is the so -called grandchildren, in which fraudsters output themselves on the phone as relatives and urgently demand money. Another often used trick are wrong police officers who ask for money or valuables on the phone or at the front door. In the current situation in which crime against older people increases, it is advisable not to make cash transfer to strangers and always consult the family.

alarming statistics

The growing number of fraud cases among seniors is worrying. According to current statistics, the vpnranks lost from January to May 2024 a total of $ 1.6 billion. This is an increase of almost $ 300 million compared to the previous year. In 2023, over 101,000 fraud cases were recorded in people between the ages of 60 and more, which represents an increase of 14 % compared to 2022

experts demand more awareness and preventive measures. They emphasize the need to check suspicious calls and not to light personal information. This shows that education and awareness of the keys in the fight against this type of fraud.