Bavarian Police Urge Vigilance as online Fraud Stabilizes at High Levels
Munich, Germany – As European Cybersecurity Month gains momentum, the Bavarian Police are issuing a stark warning: despite a slight dip in reported cases, online fraud remains a significant threat, with financial losses continuing to climb. Law enforcement officials are emphasizing the critical importance of online skepticism and urging citizens to “Think Before You Click.”
Recent data reveals 44,917 cases of crimes utilizing the internet as a means were registered in Bavaria during 2024, a slight decrease from the 47,362 reported in 2023. However, the financial damage inflicted by these scams has increased to 48.9 million euros this year, surpassing the 48.6 million euros recorded in 2023 and the 44.7 million euros in 2022. This stabilization at a high level of both incidents and monetary loss underscores the evolving sophistication of cybercriminals and the ongoing need for public awareness.
The police are highlighting a recent case in Munich where a 63-year-old employee narrowly avoided a “wrong manager” scam – a fraudulent email impersonating a company superior requesting a 15,000 euro transfer. This incident, along with similar occurrences across Upper Franconia, exemplifies the increasingly professional tactics employed by perpetrators. these scams,frequently enough referred to as ”CEO fraud,” target individuals with access to company finances. More information on CEO fraud is available at https://www.polizei-beratung.de/themen-und-tipps/gefahren-im-internet/ceo-fraud/.
Police Chief Armin Schmelzer stressed the importance of proactive caution.”Our goal is not fear, but attention. Healthy mistrust online often removes fraudsters from attacking them,” he stated.
The Bavarian Police are reinforcing this message with a simple, yet powerful directive: be more suspicious online and pause to consider the implications before clicking on links or responding to requests for information or funds. This message aligns with the core theme of European Cybersecurity Month: #ThinkB4UClick.
