The search for the antiques fraudsters is in full swing!

The search for the antiques fraudsters is in full swing!

In a worrying series of thefts, a previously unknown woman has stolen several pensioners in Austria, with the total damage being estimated at around 24,000 euros. Like 5min , the perpetrator specifically wanted to sell older people who wanted to sell antiques or jewelry.

The fraudster contacted the victims and agreed personal meetings via a classified ad platform, often at their home addresses. During these encounters, she distracted her victims and stole the items offered. In a terrifying incident, it even stole a driver's license, which underlines the audacity of their approach.

profile of the perpetrator

Witnesses describe that the suspect is dark haired and between 25 and 40 years old. It is estimated at about 165 cm in size and speaks of accent -free High German. In order to disguise their identity, they show themselves with changing stories, for example that they come from Klagenfurt or Graz and plan to open an antique business. So far, the police have documented three completed and attempted theft, which were committed in the period from March 23 to May 25, 2025. The crime scenes extend over Lower Austria, Burgenland and Vienna, especially Wiener Neustadt, Bad Sauerbrunn, Siegendorf and Vienna favorites.

Detailed information on the investigation and how citizens can help can also be found on the website of the bundeskriminalamts . The Burgplatz police inspection has taken over the investigation and asks for information on the identity or the place of whereabouts of the perpetrator on 059133-3391-135. Previous information shows that this type of crime concerns both the older population and the police.

criminal background

The police crime statistics proves that such fraudal cases are increasingly being perceived in public. Since the introduction of electronic registration procedures in 2001, all of the crimes displayed have been recorded, which enables strategic planning of criminal police measures. Although such cases often do not get into the public's light, they are still an important topic in Austrian crime statistics. They illustrate the recent increase in criminal activities that are directed directly against groups in need of protection.

The investigation continues to run at full speed, and the police call up other potential victims to report to ensure extensive information. Citizens are also asked to be vigilant if attempts to fraud are suspected and to report this immediately to the police.