Several attempts at fraud via WhatsApp have been reported to the police in the Sigmaringen district in the past few days, for example from Illmensee and Krauchenwies.
In all cases, those affected were messaged from a strange cell phone number on the messenger. In the text messages, the strangers pretended to be the daughter or son of the recipient and said they supposedly had a new cell phone number. Furthermore, to settle an allegedly urgent bill, they demanded the transfer of a four-digit euro amount to a bank account that had been communicated.
Victims recognize attempted fraud
In all cases known to the police to date, those affected recognized the attempted fraud – often simply by calling the child’s well-known number back – so that no financial damage was caused.
In this context, the police are investigating and point out that you should never, without knowing it, believe such strange contacts or even transfer money or communicate confidential information.
Police give tips
Those affected should first insure themselves by trying to establish contact with their relatives in the well-known ways.
More information on this and other scams and tips on how to protect yourself from financial damage can be found here Here on the website of the Police Crime Prevention.
The criminal police advice centers at the Ravensburg police headquarters also offer free and independent advice; the Sigmaringen location can be reached on Tel. 07571/104-302.
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