Overview

• Authorities say damages in the state have reached the millions, with perpetrators operating across borders, according to the LKA.
• Police report a rapid rise in fraud attempts launched through WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS and group chats using faux testimonials and celebrity names.
• Scammers pose as brokers, show fictitious gains on convincing trading portals, then block accounts or demand fees and taxes to release supposed profits.
• Recent cases in the Ravensburg area include losses of more than €150,000 for a 70-year-old, about €160,000 for a 57-year-old, and roughly €1.2 million for a 60-year-old.
• Investigators urge people to ignore unsolicited investment offers, verify providers via BaFin’s public database, refuse pressure tactics, and withhold sensitive data and payments to unknown entities.