Shock-call scam in Paderborn district: 32-year-old Bulgarian held on remand
An 87-year-old and his son outwitted a telephone fraudster – police arrested the person collecting the money at the scene. The suspect is now in custody awaiting trial.
Arrest after shock call: Family sets trap for fake police officer
A 32-year-old Bulgarian from Kassel is being held in custody after he was apprehended on Monday afternoon, 15 June, in Paderborn district whilst collecting a prepared bag by the actual police. According to radiohochstift.de, the operation was preceded by a coordinated deception manoeuvre by the intended victim's family.
The call and the counter-tactic
At around 16.05 on 15 June, an 87-year-old received a call from an anonymous number. Since such calls had come in repeatedly in recent times, his 66-year-old son, who was also present, took the call and posed as his father.
A fake police officer was on the line. He claimed that a gang of criminals had already committed several burglaries near the residential property. Two perpetrators had been caught, and a third was now on his way to the address. In order to apprehend this third person as well, the 87-year-old was to deposit his valuables in front of his front door – as bait. An alleged state prosecutor also took turns speaking on the phone.
90 minutes on the line – police alerted in parallel
The 66-year-old immediately recognised the fraud scheme but deliberately kept the fake officer on the line. Other family members meanwhile alerted the actual police, who arrived at the house shortly afterwards.
After 90 minutes, the caller gave the signal: the valuables could now be left in front of the house. The 87-year-old had by this time packed worthless items and placed them in front of the door.
Arrest at 18.20
At around 18.20, the 32-year-old appeared and took the bag. As he attempted to leave the scene, police apprehended him. Officers found a baton on the man. In his vehicle, parked on a side street, they also discovered a blank-firing pistol and transfer receipts in the mid four-figure range for accounts in Turkey and Bulgaria.
The suspect was arrested and, at the request of the Paderborn state prosecutor, brought before a judge who ordered his remand in custody.
Police have warned of telephone fraud for two years
Paderborn police draw attention in connection with the case to their ongoing prevention campaign "Shocked on the phone? Hang up!" which has been regularly informing the public about this form of fraud for two years. Those affected should immediately end conversations with alleged police officers, state prosecutors or bank employees, as these perpetrators are trained and can also mislead suspicious individuals.
Police recommend: hang up, inform relatives and contact the actual police via the emergency number 110. Relatives should also regularly warn elderly family members about telephone fraud. Further information about the campaign is available on the Paderborn police website at paderborn.polizei.nrw.
Source: Google News DE — Crime (de)