Scams | Vigilance protects against harm

What is in the suitcase? Really a pipe wrench or a burglary tool? Photo: imago/Markus van Offern Whether alleged craftsmen, employees of an energy supplier, alleged service technicians, service providers or fake employees of aid organizations - fraudsters repeatedly exploit the trust of citizens to gain access to apartments and houses. It is therefore advisable to be particularly attentive to unannounced visits at the front door.

The perpetrators often appear friendly and competent. For example, they claim that they need to check water pipes, read the electricity meter or carry out urgent repairs. In some cases, one person distracts the residents while a second person goes unnoticed looking for cash, jewelry or other valuables. Others try to enter into contracts under pressure or obtain sensitive personal data.

There is also an increasing number of “traveling tradesmen” who spontaneously offer overpriced services around the house and garden at the front door. These craftsman services around the house and yard often involve roofing, facade, paving and cleaning work or trimming green wood. The services that are started immediately often only serve as a deception and are not completed or are only carried out unprofessionally. Payment is then still vehemently demanded.

»Reputable craft businesses and utility companies usually announce appointments or can clearly identify themselves. “Don’t let yourself be put under time pressure and check carefully who is at your door,” recommends the “Safe at Home” network.

The so-called “chain trick”, which the Paderborn police are currently increasingly registering, is more likely to take place on the streets. The chain trick (also known as the gold chain scam) is a perfidious form of trick theft in which criminals unnoticedly replace their victims' high-quality real jewelry with worthless costume jewelry while it is being worn on the body. The perpetrators approach their victim on the street, in parking lots or directly from a slow-moving car. They usually ask extremely politely for some harmless information, such as directions to the nearest hospital.

If the victim has helped, the criminals feign exuberant, often emotional gratitude. To “thank you,” they force cheap, shiny costume jewelry on the helper. Under the pretext of placing the piece of jewelry directly around the victim's neck as a gift or putting a ring on it, the perpetrators establish close physical contact. While they put on the worthless costume jewelry, they quickly steal the victim's real gold chain or bracelet with nimble fingers.

How to protect yourself:⦁ Only open the front door with the door lock presented or via an intercom.⦁ Have your ID cards shown to you and check them carefully.⦁ If in doubt, call the specified company or property management yourself - use a telephone number that you know.⦁ Do not let unknown people into your apartment if you have not made an appointment.⦁ Do not sign any contracts at the front door and do not allow yourself to be pressured into making quick decisions.⦁ Let yourself go Don't take people by surprise or harass them on the road. Be careful of excessive physical contact.⦁ Consult relatives, neighbors or other trusted people if a situation seems strange to you.

Older people in particular are often targeted. It is therefore advisable to regularly talk to relatives and neighbors about current scams. Anyone who suspects that they have been the victim of attempted fraud or notices a suspicious person in the area should contact the police immediately. Anyone who has already been robbed or feels threatened should call the police emergency number 110 immediately. Further information is available from the criminal police advice centers and the “Home Safe” network: www.zuhause-sicher.de Network Home Safe e.V./nd

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