Police warn of phone‑fraud scams in Bad Dürkheim and Appenzell

The Bad Dürkheim police in Germany have issued a warning after a surge in fraudulent phone calls in which callers pose as prosecutors, police officers or claim urgent personal emergencies. Victims are pressured to transfer large sums of money or hand over valuables. Police urge anyone who receives such calls – especially taxi drivers and bank staff who may be asked to transport cash for seniors – to contact emergency services at 110.

In Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland, the cantonal police have similarly cautioned the public about callers spoofing bank numbers or the police emergency line (117) and pretending to be bank employees or officers. The scammers claim unauthorised withdrawals or unsafe accounts to obtain PINs, TANs or other login details. Authorities advise people not to disclose any banking information over the phone, to verify requests by calling their bank directly, and to report suspicious calls to the police.