Beware of scammers on the phone: answering can be expensive

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Scammers are becoming increasingly creative and brazen when it comes to getting their hands on their victims’ money. Currently, calls from alleged “police officers” are making the rounds.

Fraudsters are striking again and again in Austria. They use a wide variety of methods to get their hands on their victims’ data and money: from fake online offers to emails and phone calls, they use every trick in the book. They usually pretend to be well-known companies or institutions in order to appear trustworthy. They don’t even stop at the authorities: they pretend to be police officers, prosecutors, or court officials to get money.

A wave of fraud is currently sweeping through Vorarlberg in particular. The police are warning of an increase in fraudulent calls. The perpetrators claim that close relatives have caused a serious traffic accident. They are now in custody, and bail is required. The fraudsters exploit their victims’ moment of shock and ask for cash, jewelry, and other valuables. These are then to be handed over to a supposed court officer directly at the victim’s home.

However, the scammers are not only active in one federal state. They are also trying to get money with such scams in other regions. Just a month ago, they tried their luck in Carinthia in the same way—read more here: Wave of scams in Carinthia: the police are now warning about this. No matter where you live, the perpetrators can strike at any time. That’s why it’s essential to know how to react in such situations so you don’t fall into the trap.

How to protect yourself from scam calls

Never disclose information about valuables, cash on hand, or bank balances—the police, courts, or reputable companies never ask for such details over the phone.
End suspicious calls immediately or ask for the caller’s name, department, and callback number.
Contact relatives to check whether an accident or incident has actually occurred.
Inform family and friends about this scam so that they are also warned.
If in doubt, call back the local police using the number you know.
source: 5minuten.at/picture: Bild von Bryan Santos auf Pixabay