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75-year-old loses over 4000 euros to unknown perpetrators
Scammers are increasingly using modern variations of the so-called "grandparent scam" to steal money from unsuspecting people. As the South Hesse Police Headquarters reports, a 75-year-old man from Mörfelden-Walldorf has now fallen victim to a particularly insidious scam. He lost over 4,000 euros to unknown perpetrators.
WhatsApp fraud: Perpetrators exploit trust
The incident began with a seemingly harmless WhatsApp message: "Hi Mom and Dad, my phone is broken. This is my new number." Believing he was communicating with his daughter, the man transferred money twice. It wasn't until a third request for money that he became suspicious and realized he had been scammed. By then, however, the perpetrators had already disappeared with the money.
Police give important prevention tips
The police are issuing a strong warning about this scam and are urging especially older people to be cautious. To protect themselves, the South Hesse Police Headquarters advises:
- Be suspicious if you are contacted by an unknown number.
- Do not save unfamiliar phone numbers without verifying them; try to reach the person you know in another way.
- Contact family members or friends to verify the authenticity of such messages.
- Be skeptical as soon as financial demands are made, and don't let yourself be pressured.
- Pay attention to the choice of words and check whether the writing style suits the supposed person.
Further information and advice on fraud schemes can be obtained from the South Hesse Police Headquarters by calling 06151/969-40444.
(RED/ OTS/Mörfelden-Walldorf)
Police warn of WhatsApp fraud. PHOTO: OTS
