Scam in Linz: Fake police officers scam over 100,000 euros!

Scam in Linz: Fake police officers scam over 100,000 euros!

An insidious case of fraud shakes Linz: A 76-year-old woman fell victim to the so-called police trick, a perfidious scam in which criminals pretend to be police officers over the phone. Last Friday, the woman from Linz received a call whose contents put her on alert. The supposed investigators informed her about a gang of burglars nearby and that she was chosen as the next victim. In order to protect their valuables, they asked them to place all valuables in safe custody and to make an appointment for collection today.at reported.

In a fatal decision, the elderly lady handed over her entire savings, more than 10,000 euros, to the fraudsters. Police spokesman Michael Babl warned that such calls are occurring more frequently in Upper Austria - around 100 such incidents were reported on Friday alone. The perpetrators often target older people, whose names they select from the phone book in order to contact their victims over the telephone. This is an “extreme increase” compared to previous weeks, prompting police to issue urgent warnings, including from nachrichten.at was highlighted.

Important tips to avoid fraud

Police are urging people to be particularly careful with unknown callers and to ask themselves whether the story is authentic. Recommended precautions include informing family or friends immediately and withholding information about personal assets. Those affected should not allow themselves to be put under pressure; hanging up is often the best solution. The police also advise demanding an ID card from alleged police officers and calling the emergency number 133 to check the authenticity of the caller. These preventative measures are crucial to protect yourself from unscrupulous scammers.