Shock calls in the West Palatinate: Seniors fall for fraudsters!

Shock calls in the West Palatinate: Seniors fall for fraudsters!

The danger from shock calls takes on alarming proportions in the West Palatinate. A 38-year-old man is currently standing in front of the Zweibrücken district court, who is accused of being a member of a fraud gang. This group, consisting of at least five people, has targeted seniors to blackmail money or valuables. The defendant is said to have actively picked up the valuables from the victims, while a female band member pretended to be a prosecutor or court assistant to create credibility.

The gang's approach is based on a perfidious deception. They state that a daughter of the victim is involved in a serious traffic accident and is in custody. In order to free the supposed daughter, the victims should pay a high deposit. In autumn 2024 this stitch was at least twice successful: a woman from Zweibrücken handed over gold bars worth 80,000 euros, while another injured party from the Birkenfeld district handed over 50,000 euros and jewelry.

The dangers of shock calls

The criminal police investigation show that such shock calls are increasingly becoming a problem. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the fraudsters are often active and frequently vary as close relatives or even as state institutions such as the police or prosecutors. These conversations are emotionally charged and the callers put the victims under pressure to get money. The victims are often explained that a relative is involved in an accident or a crime and that immediate financial aid is required.

An example of the drama of these calls is the case of an 84-year-old senior citizen from Charlottenburg. This received a call from someone who spent her grandson and claimed to be involved in a serious traffic accident. Under the pretext of needing a deposit of 75,000 euros, the elderly woman demanded cash and valuables, which were then received by an unknown collector.

Police information and prevention measures

The police recommend being extremely careful when calling for shock. The intervention is urgently needed because fraudsters often require sums of up to 100,000 euros. It is crucial not to be influenced by the emotional stories. The police emphasize that real official representatives never demand money or valuables on the phone. Important advice for potential victims include:

• be nervous and don't let yourself be put under pressure.
• do not reveal any personal or financial information.
• call friends or relatives under known numbers to check the story.
• hits immediately if there is suspicion of fraud.
• inform the police immediately if you suspect fraud.

This case must be seen as a further alarm call in the fight against the widespread fraud scales of shock calls. The West Palatinate police and the BKA continue to work on determining the perpetrators and protecting older people from these sneaky attacks. Those affected should also use sacrificial consulting facilities, such as the "Weissen Ring".