Overview

• On July 18, a scammer impersonated a police officer in Neustädter See and convinced a 68-year-old to hand over a mid-five-figure sum and jewelry.
• The perpetrator first called claiming nearby burglaries and then appeared at the victim’s home to “secure” her valuables under false pretenses.
• Magdeburg police have launched an investigation, set up a hotline at 0391/5463295 and are seeking witnesses to the crime.
• German authorities recorded over 780 shock-call attempts in 2024 with losses nearing €1.84 million and have documented 425 similar cases netting €1.048 million so far in 2025.
• Officials warn that genuine officers never request money or valuables by phone and urge seniors to verify unexpected contacts through official channels.