Fake agents and web scammers are in high season. Every day in Austria, gullible victims are scammed by unscrupulous fraudsters and sometimes robbed of tens of thousands of euros. But why do such scams work so often despite numerous warnings and where do the perpetrators get their victims’ data? asked the “Tyrolean Crown”.
According to Oswin Lechthaler of the State Criminal Investigation Service in Tyrol, “cases have increased considerably compared to the previous year”. The expert has two theories about the increase: “Either more perpetrators have specialized in this type of fraud, or more cases are reported. People who fortunately have not been caught by a scammer also contact us.”
Criminals look for older sounding names
The crooks often target older people. “Here the perpetrators look for older-sounding names and find what they are looking for on the internet or in the phone book. They are often psychologically trained,” explains Lechthaler, who explains how the perpetrators select their victims, “if, thanks to technical aids, a reputable number appears on the phone and the perpetrator also mentions the victim’s correct address during the call, the Dat the latter means there can be no fraud at work.”
Psychology plays a big role
Speaking of psychology, this also plays a role in love scams and alleged investment opportunities. “Love scams mainly target women who have no social network and rarely or never experience appreciation. The scammer makes many compliments, after which the victim falls in love blindly. He then threatens to withdraw his love and demands money, which unfortunately is paid.”
That’s how it works when it comes to Bitcoin and Co fraud. “For example, people who invest 5,000 euros and then receive 3,000 euros as ‘profit’ become gullible and continue to invest. The greed for quick money does the rest.”
“Ask family, friends, acquaintances for advice”
And what prevention tips does the criminal have? “As soon as money is asked for, alarm bells should ring. You don’t always have to go to the police. Ask family, friends or acquaintances for advice. They look distant and probably immediately recognize that it is a scam,” concludes Lechthaler.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
