Fraudsters in Vienna: Police are looking for witnesses after ATM withdrawal!

Fraudsters in Vienna: Police are looking for witnesses after ATM withdrawal!

The Viennese police are currently looking for a suspected fraudster who brought an 18-year-old woman for a four-digit sum of money in February. According to a report by Krone , the perpetrator contacted the woman and pretended to be the son of a 56-year-old Salzburg woman. In the wallet that he had previously stolen, there were a ATM card and the associated PIN code that was noted on a note.

The woman who reacted to the fraudulent message transferred the money to an account that was linked to the stolen ATM card. The perpetrator then picked up the money from an ATM in Vienna-Meidling. A bank's surveillance camera documented the process and the police have now published photos of the suspect. The Vienna public prosecutor's office has ordered the publication of the pictures to obtain information on the identity or the location of the man. Witnesses can contact the Vienna State Criminal Police Office on 01/31310-43510.

growing cybercrime and attempts to fraud

In today's digital world, cybercrime is an increasing threat. According to police advice experienced 44 % of the victims of cybercrime online, including identity theft and was about measuring services. The age group of 16 to 22 years is particularly affected, since 28 % of this group provides information on being cheated on online banking. Overall, fraud is considered the most common crime form on the Internet, which results in high financial damage and loss of trust in online services.

Furthermore, the 2024 cyber security monitor shows a remarkable increase in the caregiver compared to the previous year. While 68 % of the 16 to 22-year-olds, to be personally affected by cybercrime, than classify it, the majority take on average only 3.9 protective measures such as antivirus programs or secure passwords. Nevertheless, there is a declining trend in using these security measures, which is alarming.

help offers and reporting points

Numerous reporting points are available to support victims of internet crime. Information on fraud attempts on the Internet, including fake shops and phishing, can be found on the platform of OnlineSicherheit.gv.at . In addition, the Internet Ombudsman offers support for dispute settlement and free advice. The BMI reporting office enables crimes to display crimes in every police station, and the "Cybercrime Helpline" in Vienna is available on weekdays to provide further support.

The latest incidents and statistics illustrate the importance of watchful behavior on the Internet. Dr. Stefanie Hinz, State Police President, warns of carefree handling of personal data and asks the population to report any crimes to reduce the number of unreported cases and to hold the perpetrators into account.