Senior fraud damages in North Rhine-Westphalia exceed 40 million euros

Fraudulent schemes targeting elderly citizens in North Rhine-Westphalia, such as “grandchild tricks” and shock calls, have resulted in total damages exceeding 41 million euros. According to a statement from the Institute of Criminal Science at the University of Münster, domestic fraud damages reached 34.1 million euros in 2025, up from 25.3 million euros in 2020. Additionally, fraud committed from abroad rose to 7.1 million euros in 2025.

While the total financial loss is increasing, the number of recorded crimes is actually declining. In 2025, approximately 2,600 crimes against elderly people by perpetrators operating across regional borders were registered, representing an 11.7 percent decrease from the previous year. The investigation noted that 95 percent of crimes committed from abroad are attempts rather than completed thefts.

Criminals often use WhatsApp or phone calls to impersonate police officers or relatives in distress to manipulate victims into handing over jewelry, cash, or gold.