Monitor this situation.
Unsubscribe anytime.
[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [CRIME]
2 clusters · 4 sources · 16 days · First seen · Last updated
Fraud impersonation of ‘Bares für Rares’ staff
Overview
A fraud scheme has emerged involving the impersonation of staff and experts from the ZDF antiques television program ‘Bares für Rares’. Criminals have utilized phone calls, newspaper advertisements, and alleged in-home visits to extract information and valuables from viewers.
Scammers have also expanded their tactics to digital platforms like Kleinanzeigen, where they impersonate specific dealers, such as Walter Lehnertz, claiming to be pre-buyers or official representatives.
In response to these incidents, ZDF and various show experts have issued warnings, emphasizing that genuine representatives never conduct unsolicited contacts or unannounced home visits. Participants are advised to use only the official online application process. Legal action is being considered by both the broadcaster and individual experts to address the perpetrators.
Entities
Annika Raßbach · Bares für Rares · ZDF · Mallorca · Sat.1
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Walter Lehnertz intends to take legal action against an individual impersonating him. www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · www.kreiszeitung.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] A fraudster is using the name of the ZDF show ‘Bares für Rares’ on platforms like Kleinanzeigen. www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · www.kreiszeitung.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The impersonator claims to be a pre-buyer for Lehnertz or a member of the ‘Bares für Rares’ team. www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · www.kreiszeitung.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Experts and dealers from the show never visit fans at home unannounced. www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · www.kreiszeitung.de
Timeline
-
about 18 hours ago
[CRIME] 4 sourcesWalter Lehnertz warns of fraud scheme impersonating ‘Bares für Rares’‘Bares für Rares’ dealer Walter Lehnertz has warned of a fraud scheme where criminals impersonate him and the ZDF show team on platforms like Kleinanzeigen to deceive the public.
-
16 days ago
[CRIME] 34 sourcesZDF's 'Bares für Rares' hit by surge of fraud impersonationsFraudsters are masquerading as ZDF's 'Bares für Rares' staff to deceive viewers; experts warn the public and ZDF urges police reports.
Sources
gala.de · kreiszeitung.de · kurierverlag.de · leinetal24.de