Shock calls & fake authorities
Summary
Why is this warning issued?
This warning was added because it is based on a report from Polizeiliche Kriminalprävention. It is intended to protect other users from this scam method. The classified risk is high.
How the scam works
- Perpetrators choose one of the known areas of fraud (e.g. fake police officers, EC/credit card fraud, fake Microsoft employees)
- They deceive the victim by pretending false facts or distorting true facts
- The goal is to obtain a financial advantage (§263 StGB)
- The perpetrators operate "with great sophistication"
- Irregularities often occur at the front door, during online shopping, or with supposed apartment listings
How to recognise it
- The method falls under the category "Fraud by fake police officers"
- Perpetrators act "with great sophistication"
- Contact at the front door ("crime scene front door") as a typical location
- Pretending false facts or distorting true facts
- Information on other known fraud methods is listed on polizei-beratung.de
- Demand for cash/valuables by phone
- Massive emotional pressure / secrecy
- Massive emotional pressure and secrecy
How to protect yourself
- Be especially careful at the front door and when shopping online
- Inform yourself on polizei-beratung.de about current fraud methods
- Use the sample contracts and prevention tips on sicherer-autokauf.de when buying a car online
- Order free print products for prevention from Polizeiliche Kriminalprävention
- If you suspect something, contact the consumer advice center or the police
What you should never do
- Do not ignore unusual contacts or unexpected demands
- Do not give out any personal data or payment information to unknown callers
- Do not make any hasty payments under pressure
- Do not blindly trust senders that appear official without verification
Frequently asked questions
Where did the scammers get my data?
The source text does not provide any specific information on this. Data leaks, publicly accessible information, or social engineering are common causes.
What should I do if I have already been contacted?
Secure all evidence (call list, messages, emails) and contact the police or your consumer advice center. Do not pay anything without checking.
Do I have to pay if a demand comes?
You should not simply pay unjustified demands. Check the demand and seek advice from the consumer advice center.
Where can I find more information?
On polizei-beratung.de you can find information on fraud by fake police officers, EC/credit card fraud, fake Microsoft employees, as well as free print products in the media offering.
Affected data
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Original source
Find more information in the original source.
Polizeiliche Kriminalprävention ↗Update history
- 22/07/2026Description updated, Characteristics added