Germany police investigate telephone scams targeting elderly women

Police in Germany are investigating two separate incidents of telephone fraud targeting elderly women on October 16, 2026. In Gelsenkirchen, a 90-year-old woman was deceived by callers claiming her daughter had been in a serious accident. A man later arrived at her home, where she handed over cash and jewelry.

In a similar incident in Kölleda, an 82-year-old woman was targeted by individuals posing as police officers and representatives from the Jena Public Prosecutor's Office. The scammers claimed her granddaughter had caused a fatal traffic accident and demanded 19,000 euros for bail. The victim ultimately handed the money to an unknown individual.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, noting that legitimate police or judicial officials will never demand cash, jewelry, or bail payments over the phone or request that valuables be left for pickup.