They claim on the phone that a family member is seriously ill with Covid-19: With this scam, fraudsters in Breisgau try to steal money, for example from a married couple in Heuweiler.
More than 20 such calls were reported to the Freiburg police headquarters on Tuesday alone.
It is 9.20 a.m. when the phone rings for a couple in Heuweiler. An alleged professor at the Freiburg University Clinic reports. “He said that our daughter was in the intensive care unit and urgently needed medication,” reports the 80-year-old, who wants to remain anonymous but wants to warn other people about the fraudsters.
The drug has already been given to former US President Donald Trump, but it is not approved here. But there is a possibility to get the drug for a price of 33,000 euros. “He said it had to be done very quickly. The helicopter is waiting,” says the 80-year-old. “My wife and I were very excited and in a panic.” But the two hesitate. Too long, apparently. Because the caller hangs up suddenly.
“The treatment of Covid-19 sufferers at the Freiburg University Medical Center is never dependent on a prior payment of a sum of money.” Benjamin Waschow, press spokesman for the university clinic
The couple then contacted the daughter. She is in excellent health and works in the home office just 300 meters away. Next, the couple informs the police. “There was no damage to us, except for terrible excitement,” says the pensioner.
“The treatment of Covid-19 sufferers at the Freiburg University Medical Center is never dependent on a previous payment of a sum of money,” says Benjamin Waschow, spokesman for the University Clinic.
The police warn against giving money or valuables to strangers. Basically, you shouldn’t allow yourself to be put under pressure on the phone, but simply hang up and inform the police about 110 as soon as possible.
- Be vigilantwhen asked about large amounts of money or other valuables on the phone or computer.
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- Never hand over money to unknown people. Rest assured: doctors don’t call to ask for prepayment.
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- Warn you As a son, daughter, grandchild, etc., especially your older relatives from this current scam.
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- Make arrangements within your family.
Don’t let yourself be pressured on the phone. Just hang up.
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- At the slightest suspicion please call the police immediately via the free emergency number 110.
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