Fraud in Ihlow: 79-year-old falls victim to fake Microsoft staff
A pensioner from Ihlow became a victim of computer fraud. The perpetrators posed as Microsoft staff members and gained access to her bank account.
Fraud in Ihlow: pensioner defrauded of three-figure sum
In the Lower Saxony town of Ihlow, a computer fraud scheme has cost a 79-year-old woman several hundred euros. The victim received a call on Tuesday from people claiming to be support staff from a major software company.
The fraud began with a manipulated notification displayed on the pensioner's monitor. It showed an alleged lock screen with a telephone number. The woman from Ihlow called this number and was convinced by the criminals that her device was infected with malware.
The fraudsters persuaded the elderly woman to grant them remote access to her computer. Under the pretext of fixing the problem, they gained access to her banking details. Subsequently, they transferred a three-figure sum of money to a foreign account.
Only after the phone call did the 79-year-old recognise the deception. She contacted Aurich police station and filed a criminal complaint. The investigators believe it is a professionally organised criminal group that is deliberately targeting older people.
The officers urge the public never to follow instructions from unsolicited calls claiming to be IT support staff. Legitimate companies would not contact their customers in this way. In case of suspicion, the emergency number 110 should be called immediately.
Source: WELT
Source: Google News DE — Crime (de)