Senior woman from Kulmbach loses 18,000 euros to fake Elon Musk!

Senior woman from Kulmbach loses 18,000 euros to fake Elon Musk!

An internet fraud hit the headlines in Kulmbach, shining a light on the tragedy of a 76-year-old victim. A senior citizen was defrauded of around 18,000 euros after falling for a fraudster who posed as the well-known billionaire Elon Musk. According to a report by the South German newspaper The story began at the beginning of October when the perpetrator made contact with the woman and slowly built trust in her.

The fraudster's scam was clever: he offered the senior citizen support with a supposedly profitable investment, thereby creating an emotional connection. But that was far from the end of the sad story. It looks like the woman had previously experienced a love scam in which she also suffered significant financial loss.

Beware of love scamming

“Love scams” ​​are a type of fraud in which criminals steal their victims’ money under the guise of a romantic relationship. These meshes are very common these days, like that Online security website reported. Victims are often approached via dating apps or social media, where the scammers pose as potential partners. Having become emotionally dependent, those affected are often prepared to transfer large sums of money in order to solve alleged problems of their “loved ones”.

The fraudster in Kulmbach not only stole 18,000 euros, but also asked for a further 20,000 euros by posing a false emergency. Luckily, the senior citizen was saved by an alert bank employee who became suspicious and informed the police. This meant that another transfer could be prevented in time.

How to protect yourself

Police warn people to be particularly careful when such emotional connections arise. The perpetrators are often part of professional cybercrime rings and have a lot of experience in manipulating their victims. Characteristics of love scams are often polite approaches, attractive pictures and contact that only takes place online or by telephone. Many of those affected are trapped in their illusion and need support from relatives.

As preventive measures, experts recommend checking profile pictures using a Google image search and immediately breaking off contact if you suspect fraud. Reporting such profiles is also very important to help other possible victims.

The tragedy of the Kulmbach senior is just further proof that a healthy dose of skepticism is essential when it comes to online dating and social networks. It's worth having a good hand and not being blinded by supposed affection.