Fraud trial in Braunschweig: Fake police officers put under pressure!

Fraud trial in Braunschweig: Fake police officers put under pressure!

An important trial begins today in Braunschweig that sheds light on a perfidious fraud scheme that has affected numerous older people. NDR reports on two men aged 33 and 35 who are accused of particularly serious fraud. The alleged damage amounts to a whopping 672,000 euros. Background to these crimes: The defendants are said to have been part of a criminal group in 2018 that specifically defrauded senior citizens.

How does this rip-off work? The perpetrators usually call via call centers abroad and pretend to be police officers. The calls, often from suppressed numbers, aim to create the impression that the victims' assets are at risk. The callers cause inconvenience and unsettle the elderly, so that they are kept on the phone for hours so that they cannot make any other contact. In extreme cases, fraudsters pressured victims to withdraw their savings and hand over cash and valuables to them.

The “fake police officers” scam

A particularly frightening example occurred in Bramsche when an alert woman informed the real police after receiving a call from a suspected scammer. This shows the importance of taking action when fraud is suspected. The police emphasize that real police officers would never ask for valuables or demand money over the phone. Anyone whose interest in financial security is aroused can rely on the consumer advice center, which urgently warns against cooperating with such calls.

The gangsters' tricks are varied. They not only pose as police officers, but also use names like “Europol” or “Interpol” to carry out their malicious game. A robocall is often used that tricks recipients into pressing a button to “verify” – a tactic commonly used in fraud prevention. In the worst case, the callers even threaten imprisonment in order to extort information or money.

Protective measures for seniors

Prevention against such scams is a top priority. The page Pflegehilfe Seniors provides numerous helpful tips. Seniors should always be skeptical of unknown calls and check the identity of the caller by calling the police back. It is also advised not to reveal information about valuables and never to share personal information over the phone.

A particularly common trick that also affects younger generations is the so-called “grandchild trick”. Here, fraudsters pose as relatives or friends and ask for financial support. No matter what the scam is, the core often remains the same: gaining trust and extorting money in an exceptional emotional situation. Society has a responsibility to educate and protect seniors from these threats.

The upcoming trial in Braunschweig is an opportunity to raise awareness of such fraudulent activities and give victims a voice. The police ask you to report suspicious calls immediately and not to hesitate to inform colleagues or neighbors about the danger. Together we can ensure that the older members of our community do not fall victim to such schemes.