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Danger! Fraudulent craftsmen are on the case! Police warn of scam!
In Rhön-Grabfeld, the police warn against fraudulent tradesmen who charge exorbitant prices for services.
Danger! Fraudulent craftsmen are on the case! Police warn of scam!
Fraud involving craftsmen's services is unfortunately not a new phenomenon, but recent incidents in the Rhön, Bavaria, once again shine a spotlight on this brazen scam. According to fuldaerzeitung.de, a homeowner in Stockheim fell victim to three criminal tradesmen who offered him a temptingly low price for cleaning his gutter.
The first perpetrator, a character in the brazen story, only wanted to take 60 euros for his services. But the shock came after the order was placed when he suddenly charged 60 euros per meter of gutter and increased the total to an impressive 2080 euros. The injured party, partly out of insecurity, only handed over a portion of this horrendous sum and then called the police.
The perpetrators and their scams
The police in Lower Franconia report a description of the perpetrator that points to the men's criminal activities. The first accused is around 35 years old and 1.75 m tall and slim. The second perpetrator, a strong man in his 50s, had a noticeable black mustache. The third, also slim, was about 40 years old, wore an orange silk shirt and black patent leather shoes, and had a missing upper row of teeth. These men were traveling in an unmarked white van, which does not make their identification any easier.
The police not only warn against these specific fraudsters, but also urge all citizens to be careful. According to merkur.de, door-to-door transactions are particularly risky and you should think carefully about whether you are actually doing business with these supposed craftsmen. It is advisable not to make any advance payments, to only conclude contracts in writing and, if in doubt, to always consult someone you trust.
Protection against fraud
An additional warning comes from handwerkerwissen.com, which emphasizes that unscrupulous fraudsters often exploit the plight of people who need quick help with repairs. Older people in particular are often affected because they are often insecure and are therefore more willing to pay high prices to get rid of the supposed “experts”.
Scammers often appear trustworthy, making it difficult for victims to recognize the deception. They may even cause additional damage to further inflate the bill. That's why it's particularly important to find out about the trustworthiness of the craftsmen before placing the order. Obtaining multiple offers is a useful strategy to get a more accurate picture.
Ultimately, raising consumer awareness of the risks surrounding tradesman fraud is crucial. The consumer advice center offers information and support for those affected in order to be legally protected and, if necessary, to claim the amounts back.
In view of these incidents, it is essential to continue to be vigilant and protect yourself from dubious offers. Ultimately, you should always listen to your gut feeling and, if in doubt, it would be better to check a tradesman more than to save money in the wrong place.