Germany sees surge in financial losses from telephone scams

The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) in Germany reported a sharp rise in financial losses from telephone scams in which fraudsters pose as police officers or relatives.

Losses from impersonating police rose to €49.5 million in 2025, up from €30.1 million the previous year, and the number of recorded cases increased to 4,646 from 3,946. Losses from the so‑called “grandparent” and “shock‑call” scams reached about €49 million, up from €46.4 million in 2024, while the incidents of those scams fell to 4,798 from 6,658.

Scammers use fabricated scenarios such as break‑ins at neighbours’ homes or claim a family member is in an accident, urging victims to hand over cash, jewellery or other valuables.