Despite many warnings, the scam by fake police officers is still successful. Recently, a Viennese pensioner, in collaboration with the real police, managed to lure a suspected member of a scam gang into a trap. The executive once again warns against the brutal scam of criminals.
The process is always similar. The phone rings, the caller pretends to be a police officer aware of multiple robberies in the immediate area – offering assistance to protect money or valuables from suspected thieves. The called react uncertainly, out of concern for their savings, they usually agree, the trap closes. Because the “policeman” who shows up at the apartment moments later and has to ensure the “safekeeping” of the valuables and money, is a swindler who disappears with the loot.
Victim was stunned
However, in the case of a 74-year-old woman from Hietzing, apprehending the alleged law enforcement officer on the phone should make the victim suspicious. Because after the pensioner had already handed over valuables to the “official” on Thursday, the caller on the phone continued to demand money. The woman called the emergency services, the fraud was discovered and a new transfer was arranged with the real officials.
trap closed
The suspect should actually show up again. At around 5:30 p.m., the 22-year-old Turk, who was reportedly acting as an errand boy for the scammers gang, was apprehended by the police in front of the pensioner’s apartment and provisionally detained. The alleged scammer was carrying a fake police ID card, which has been seized. During interrogation, he made a full confession and was taken to prison. The damage done is enormous. According to the police, it is in the lower five-digit range.
Not least for this reason, the management tirelessly and once again urgently warns against this and similar scams:
- Police never ask for cash or valuables for safekeeping or for “theft traps”.
- End suspicious calls and call the police emergency number 133.
- Don’t give details about family or financial circumstances.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
