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Scammers Escalate to Doorstep Visits in Multi-Channel Attacks on German Seniors

Authorities warn seniors to verify unsolicited contacts through official channels after scammers began combining phishing emails, SMS, doorstep visits.

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Overview

  • Fraudsters posing as police officers have begun visiting seniors' homes in Munich and beyond to collect cash and jewelry under false pretenses.
  • Scammers continue to send deceptive emails to Deutsche Telekom, Targobank and Sparkasse customers, using subjects like “Neue Sprachnachricht,” “Wichtige Sicherheitsinformation für Ihr Konto” and fake PushTAN-Update alerts to steal credentials.
  • In Kaufbeuren a 78-year-old handed over five-figure jewelry and coins after a prolonged shock call and in Zorneding a 73-year-old woman lost over €20,000 in a similar ordeal this week.
  • Police in Schwaben Süd/West recorded around 780 shock calls with €1.84 million stolen in 2024 and already 425 attempts netting €1.048 million this year.
  • Authorities emphasize that genuine officials never demand money or valuables by phone or email and urge seniors to ignore unsolicited requests, verify contacts via known numbers and report suspicious calls immediately.