Police warn of utility worker impersonation and rental scams

Authorities in Germany and Austria are warning the public about various fraudulent schemes involving impersonation and deceptive real estate offers.

In the Mittelfranken region of Germany, police have reported a series of burglaries where criminals pose as utility workers or tradespeople to gain entry to homes. In Gunzenhausen, two men claiming to be meter readers entered a residence, where one distracted the occupant while the other stole jewelry. Similar incidents occurred in Ansbach and Nuremberg, with perpetrators using pretexts such as checking water meters or heating systems to access private properties and steal cash.

In Austria, warnings have been issued regarding rental deposit scams in Vienna. Fraudsters are posting advertisements for unusually low-priced apartments, often claiming to be landlords working abroad to explain their unavailability. These scammers request advance deposits or security payments for properties that are not actually available for rent.