Fraudster goes unnoticed: 83-year-old from Neumarkt defrauded of several thousand euros!

Fraudster goes unnoticed: 83-year-old from Neumarkt defrauded of several thousand euros!

On Wednesday, June 12, 2025, an 83-year-old lady from Neumarkt in Upper Palatinate fell victim to a devious scam that exploits the trust of older people. According to the latest announcements from the Bavaria Police, the woman in question handed over several thousand euros and jewelry to an unknown collector. The fraudster's trick was carried out via a manipulative telephone conversation that lasted several hours. The handover took place on Seelstrasse around 3:10 p.m.

The person being sought is described as slim, around 35 to 40 years old and wearing dark clothing. Unfortunately, he managed to escape and police launched an extensive search, including the use of a police helicopter. The Regensburg Criminal Police Inspectorate has begun investigations into gang and commercial fraud and is asking witnesses who made suspicious observations during the period mentioned to come forward immediately.

Fraud methods in focus

Unfortunately, the scammers' approach to the elderly woman is not new. The German pension insurance also warns of a similar scam in which criminals pose as pension insurance employees. They contact retirees by phone using call ID spoofing to disguise their true identities. These callers threaten to have their pensions seized if the “victims” do not respond immediately and transfer money.

Older people in particular are often the target of such tricks as they may have less experience dealing with scam calls. As the Nursing assistance highlights, it is important that this group of people is made aware of such scams in order to avoid financial losses.

Tips for prevention

To protect yourself against these nasty scams, there are a few simple but effective steps:

• Legt bei verdächtigen Anrufen auf und wählt selbst die Notrufnummer 110.
• Fragt bei der Polizei nach, ob ein entsprechendes Anliegen besteht.
• Übergibt kein Geld an Fremde, egal unter welchem Vorwand.
• Behaltet Wertsachen gut im Auge und lasst euch nicht unter Druck setzen.
• Sprecht mit Freunden und Familie über solche Betrugsversuche, um besser informiert zu sein.

The police make it clear that no serious institutions such as the police or judiciary will call to hand over money or jewelry. Even though the phone calls may seem familiar, remain skeptical and do your research!

To further address the problem, the community should work together and conduct awareness campaigns for seniors. Healthy solidarity within the neighborhood and with relatives is crucial to protect old people from the machinations of these fraudsters. Because together we can take action against these bold tricks!