German police issue warnings over telephone fraud scams in Varel and Mannheim

Police in Varel, Lower Saxony, reported several phone calls in which callers pretended to be police officers, claimed a burglary had occurred and asked residents about the value of their possessions. No financial loss has been confirmed, and authorities warned the public against such impersonation scams.

In Mannheim, Baden‑Wurttemberg, an 88‑year‑old woman was targeted by a "shock call" in Russian alleging her son was involved in a severe traffic accident. The scammers, posing as family members, demanded €90,000 for the supposed operation, received €50,000, and later sought additional money. The incident prompted a criminal investigation and resulted in police advice on how to recognize and avoid similar telephone fraud attempts.