Phone fraud in Styria: state police warn of fake officials and shock calls
The Styria state crime office reports a renewed increase in telephone fraud attempts targeting primarily elderly people.
False police officers and shock calls: Styria in the sights of telephone fraudsters
The Styria state crime office has recorded a fresh rise in fraudulent telephone calls in which criminals seek to obtain money or valuables from mostly older individuals, according to Kleine Zeitung. Experts at the state crime office have identified several currently active tactics.
Tactic 1: Fake police officers
Perpetrators pose as police officers on the telephone and claim that a break-in or robbery has occurred near the victim. The suspects allegedly had a note with the name of the person being called on them — and further perpetrators are supposedly still at large. Those affected are then asked to secure their valuables together with the purported officers.
Tactic 2: Shock call and bail scam
In this variant, the victim is told that a family member has caused a traffic accident and must pay bail to avoid arrest. In a further variation, an alleged doctor calls and demands money for medical treatment of a close relative. In all cases, the extorted goods are subsequently collected in person from the victim by accomplices.
What the police actually do — and what they do not
Crime prevention makes clear: the police do not call in any of the scenarios described, do not demand money over the telephone, and do not enquire about citizens' assets. Uniformed officers appear only in person — and never take cash, gold, or jewellery with them.
Protective measures at a glance
- Do not provide information about assets or bank details over the telephone.
- If a purported authority figure demands secrecy, that is a clear warning sign.
- Resist pressure: make an excuse and hang up.
- Do not let strangers into your flat; always demand identification from alleged police officers.
- If in doubt, contact the allegedly affected person directly or via trusted individuals.
- Anyone who allows themselves to be persuaded to make an unusual cash withdrawal should speak to bank staff and take their warnings seriously.
- Report suspicious calls to the emergency number 133.
The police furthermore recommend actively alerting elderly people in their personal circle and in the community to these forms of fraud. Further information and tips are available on the website of the federal crime office under the section "Safe from fraud".
Source: Kleine Zeitung