A life saved – and lost within minutes to two Polish women: now the impostors are in prison!
Imagine your phone ringing. The person claims to be from the police and tells about a terrible accident involving a beloved family member. Ultimately, the treacherous caller only wants one thing: to rid the elderly of cash and their savings. And thus destroy forms of existence. Despite all warnings, cases are increasing. “Telephone fraud in different variants is like a pandemic,” says a researcher.
A cheerful retiree taught women crafts
The case of two Polish women is currently causing a stir! Mother and daughter are said to have used the scam thirteen times throughout eastern Austria. 380,000 euros were taken from the victims. The 41-year-old and her 19-year-old ‘baby’ were the son-in-law of a pensioner in Klosterneuburg (Lower Austria). The 75-year-old warned him when she was misled on the phone that her daughter had caused a fatal accident and could only be released on bail.
When the money was handed over, the son-in-law was already there and photographed the suspects, who were acting as ‘collectors’ for a gang. This photo brought even more crimes to light. But there is no trace of the customers.
Fraud from Turkey
However, the backers of a pair of Turkish brothers who stole a record sum of 1.5 million euros from a Viennese academic widow (82) were quickly identified. As reported, behind the duo is a gang of thirty suspects who lure pensioners throughout Europe with shock calls from Turkish call centers.
However, the attempt remained in Horn (Lower Austria)! There too, ‘police officers’ demanded a deposit of 192,000 euros by telephone because the daughter was involved in a fatal accident. During the conversation, an attendant called 911 – when the fraudsters noticed this, they hung up.
Many customers ignore warnings
Michael Ernegger, deputy general secretary of the banking association, emphasizes that counter staff are sensitized and – regularly trained – draw attention to risks: ‘Ultimately, banks as service providers cannot refuse their customers to withdraw.’ especially – despite urgent warnings – persistently insisting on withdrawing their often entire savings. However, in a number of cases this could have been prevented.
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.
