Beware! Fake calls are stealing citizens' savings
The Landespolizeidirektion Tirol warns residents of an increasing wave of phone fraud attempts, where criminals impersonate police officers or criminal investigators to deceive victims and steal their money or valuable possessions. These cases have been particularly recorded in the Bezirk Kufstein area.
These scammers, using sophisticated psychological techniques, attempt to prolong the phone call to distract the victim's thinking and convince them to divulge personal information or willingly hand over their money. In some cases, the scammers claim that a relative of the victim has been involved in an accident and needs bail money, or that the police need to 'protect' their money from alleged thieves. Some even claim that bank employees are involved in criminal activities and ask the victim to withdraw money and hand it over to the police for analysis for fingerprints!
The police department in Tyrol clearly stated that real police do not contact citizens to ask for money, do not inquire about their possessions, and do not send anyone to their homes to take money or gold.
The police have published a set of tips to avoid falling victim to these gangs, including: Do not trust any unexpected call claiming to be from the police. Do not disclose any financial information to anyone over the phone. Do not allow any stranger to enter your home. Never hand over money or gold to anyone you do not know. In case of doubt, call 133 immediately to verify the caller's identity.
LPD Tirol invites families to discuss these fraudulent methods, especially with the elderly, as they are the most targeted by these gangs. Caution and awareness are the best means of protection.