Beware! Another scam by fake police officers in Vienna

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In Vienna-Neubau, a 75-year-old woman has fallen victim to a scam involving a fake police officer. The Vienna police are once again issuing an urgent warning against such scams.

A woman aged 75 received a call from a supposed bank advisor claiming that someone had tried to withdraw money from her account the day before. For this reason, a criminal investigator would come to her home to secure evidence.

A fake police officer relieved 75-year-old woman of money and valuables
Shortly afterwards, the woman was contacted by a supposed police officer, who explained to her on the phone what she should do next. A short time later, a man claiming to be a police officer appeared at the 75-year-old’s home. The fake policeman told the woman she had to visit the bank branches concerned to secure evidence. The woman withdrew money from several banks and took valuables from the safes. She then handed the valuables to the fake police officer, always outside the bank branches.

Finally, after the last handover, the fake policeman named a bank branch where the 75-year-old was supposed to get her valuables back. When this did not happen, the woman realized she had been the victim of a scam and contacted the police. The incident resulted in an estimated total loss in the low six-figure range. Only through extensive educational work and preventative measures can we succeed in taking action against fraudsters. Protect older people in your environment and warn them regularly about the scams perpetrated by so-called “fake police officers.”.

Warning about Vienna police scams by fake police officers
The police never ask for cash or valuables for safekeeping, protection, or to secure evidence.
End suspicious phone calls and dial 133.
Do not give any details about your family or financial circumstances.
Do not let strangers into your home.
Never hand over money or gold to strangers.
Talk to your family about these fake police officers. Older generations are particularly affected.
You can find more information on this topic on the homepage of the Federal Criminal Police Office: Preventing scams