German seniors fall victim to impersonation fraud scams

In Hünxe, an 80‑year‑old man received a phone call from someone claiming to be a bank employee who warned of counterfeit money in circulation. The caller arranged for a supposed bank field worker to appear at the senior’s door, entered the home, and left with cash and the victim’s bank card.

In Pforzheim, an older man was contacted by individuals posing as police officers who said a robbery had occurred at his address and that a safe‑deposit box was unsafe. The victim was persuaded to let a “collector” into his apartment, who photographed valuables before fleeing with gold and silver coins, causing a loss in the low six‑figure euro range. Police in both towns are investigating, have issued warnings about the scams, and are seeking witnesses.

Authorities advise the public to be skeptical of unsolicited requests for money, cash, or personal data, to verify callers by calling back official numbers, and to report suspicious contacts immediately.