Arrest of the telephone fraudster: Göttingen couple saves themselves from a shock call!

Arrest of the telephone fraudster: Göttingen couple saves themselves from a shock call!

Last weekend, the police in Göttingen-Bovenden arrested a suspected fraudster who tried to scam an elderly couple out of their savings with a so-called shock call. The caller posed as a public official and claimed that the couple's son had been involved in a serious traffic accident for which he needed bail immediately. The claims increased over time, initial amounts were demanded in the mid five-figure sums as well as valuables amounting to around 50,000 euros.

However, the son, who was abroad at the time, discovered that he was not in custody. Concerned about his parents' situation, he immediately informed the police. The investigators worked with the couple to develop a plan to catch the fraudster in the act during another attempt to pick up the goods. This ultimately led to the 41-year-old man's arrest when he returned to collect the second bail, reports NDR.

Successful arrest and investigation

During the arrest on Sunday morning, evidence was also seized that proves the man's involvement in other fraud cases in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. It also turned out that he had no permanent residence in Germany. The public prosecutor's office is currently examining the application for an arrest warrant for commercial gang fraud. The civilian police force said it was pleased with the success of the operation and stressed the importance of quick action in such situations Göttingen Tageblatt reported.

The police have been warning about this scam for a long time. Criminals often use shock calls to scare older people and get them to hand over money or valuable items. Numerous similar cases have recently become known in which fraudsters put their victims under pressure and often exert high time pressure in order to force a quick decision. It is particularly older people who often fall into the trap, reports police.

Protective measures and prevention

The police provide helpful tips on how citizens can protect themselves from these scams. If you suspect anything, those affected should call 110 immediately and not ask for a call back. Under no circumstances should you reveal personal or financial information over the phone or give money to unknown people. It is also advisable to talk to someone you trust or contact the police to protect yourself from possible damage.

In Lower Saxony, the number of shock calls has risen alarmingly, but there are ways to protect yourself. The authorities appeal to citizens to be vigilant and to report any suspicious calls immediately. This is the only way to stem the wave of telephone fraud and help further victims.