Fraudsters on the move

“Fake policemen” invent burglaries

There have been several attempts at fraud in and around Salzburg in recent days. So-called "fake police officers" contact victims and warn them about burglaries in the area or say that their child has been involved in an accident and that bail is due. The victims usually end the call themselves, but one woman still handed over 30,000 euros to a stranger. 

On the phone, the callers ask if you have any valuables or cash at home. They then emphasize that the victim's name is on a "burglary list" and that the money or valuables should therefore be taken to the "fake police officers". 

In some cases, the scammers also involve relatives of the people they call and tell them that their son or daughter has had an accident and a deposit is due.

This was the case with a 79-year-old woman. She was asked to pay 170,000 euros to get her daughter released from prison. The woman from Salzburg then withdrew 30,000 euros and gave it to an unknown woman. Investigations are currently underway. 

Crime prevention tips: 
- The police will not call your home and offer to take valuables into safekeeping.
- Never give details of your financial circumstances or living situation on the phone!
- Do not allow yourself to be put under pressure and end the call immediately if something seems strange! Trust your gut feeling and common sense!
- Never hand over money or other valuables to strangers!
- If you receive a suspicious call, contact your local police station immediately!