An 85-year-old man from Ingolstadt, Germany, has successfully thwarted telephone scammers for the second time. On Tuesday, during a “shock call,” the man pretended to prepare 10,000 euros in cash and several Krügerrand coins for handover to a fraudulent police officer. Simultaneously, his daughter contacted the real police, who apprehended a 20-year-old suspect during the exchange. The suspect is currently in investigative custody.
Police Praise Vigilance
This latest success marks the second time the father and daughter have aided in the arrest of individuals involved in these schemes. In September of last year, a similar scam targeted the then-84-year-old man, with fraudsters attempting to pressure him into handing over more than 60,000 euros.
According to police statements, “Both times, he and his daughter reacted exemplarily, which also led to the arrest of a collector.” As in the previous instance, the daughter alerted law enforcement, leading to an arrest at the planned handover location.
The Scam’s Premise
In both cases, the scammers claimed the money was needed as a bail payment to prevent a family member from being jailed following a fatal accident. In September 2024, the alleged relative involved was a niece; in the recent incident, it was a granddaughter.
Resistance from a Former Officer
In October, scammers targeting an individual in Hof, Bavaria, encountered unexpected resistance. The target was a retired police officer who recognized the fraud, subdued the would-be collector, and held him until police arrived. A 21-year-old suspect was subsequently arrested, and a warrant was issued.
Following the case in Hof, the Kripo Hof (Criminal Investigation Department) launched an intensive investigation, identifying “several suspected accomplices in the Aachen area – including individuals who apparently held higher-ranking functions within the group.” Two individuals have been arrested, including a suspected “key figure” in the operation. Another member of the group was previously arrested during a money collection in Nuremberg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tactic do these scammers use?
The scammers claim a family member has been involved in a fatal accident and that a large sum of money is needed as a bail payment to prevent their imprisonment.
Has law enforcement made any arrests in connection with these scams?
Yes, a 20-year-old suspect was arrested in Ingolstadt, a 21-year-old in Hof, and two additional suspects have been arrested in the Aachen area, including a suspected “key figure” in the operation. Another suspect was previously arrested in Nuremberg.
What did police say about the actions of the Ingolstadt father and daughter?
Police stated that both times, the father and daughter “reacted exemplarily,” leading to the arrest of the individuals attempting to collect the money.
Given the ongoing investigations and arrests, what further steps might law enforcement take to disrupt these criminal networks?
