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Linz, Austria – One of the country’s largest medical institutions, the Kepler University Hospital in Linz, has issued an urgent public warning about a new wave of fraud attempts involving fake donation collectors and impostors posing as medical staff. Police are urging residents to remain vigilant.
Scammers Ringing Doorbells for Fake Donations
According to the hospital, individuals have recently been going door to door, distributing leaflets and requesting donations under the pretense of supporting the Kepler University Hospital or specific departments such as the Children’s Heart Center.
Hospital officials stress that none of these activities are legitimate. No authorized fundraising campaign of this kind is currently taking place.
Fake Doctors Calling for Money
The warning extends beyond door-to-door scams. The hospital reports that residents have also received fraudulent phone calls from people claiming to be doctors. These callers aggressively demand payments for alleged treatments or urgently needed medication for family members.
The hospital leadership is unequivocal: Such calls are never genuine. No doctor from the institution will ever request money over the phone.
Hospital and Police Urge Immediate Caution
“We urgently ask you not to respond to such requests,” the hospital appeals to the public. Anyone who is asked to transfer money or who witnesses suspicious behavior should contact the police immediately.
Recent Case: 86-Year-Old Targeted
A recent incident illustrates how far the scammers are willing to go. An 86‑year‑old woman from Linz received a call claiming her daughter was in danger and needed an extremely expensive medication. The fraudsters attempted to extort €180,000.
The woman became suspicious, alerted the police, and then informed her son. A supposed handover of the money was arranged, but the perpetrators never appeared—likely deterred by the police involvement.
Authorities Call for Awareness
Police emphasize that emotional manipulation is a common tactic in such schemes. Residents are encouraged to discuss these scams with relatives—especially older family members who are often targeted.
- source: heute.at/picture: pixabay.com
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