A 77-year-old man from the island of Rügen wanted to invest his assets profitably and lost 650,000 euros to online fraudsters. The police are now dealing with his case.
The man invested for months in the belief that he was investing his money safely. The perpetrators offered him contracts for fixed-term and overnight deposits. Trusting in the documents, which appeared to be legitimate, he transferred hundreds of thousands of euros to an alleged foreign bank. When he terminated his contracts on time and wanted the money paid out, contact broke off. The supposed investment was lost.
The case is not an isolated one
Almost at the same time, a family from Ueckermünde fell for another scam. A man and his wife came across an investment model for cryptocurrency via an Internet video. An alleged “broker” persuaded them to make a smaller deposit, which was then transferred back to the couple along with a small profit. Encouraged by this perceived success, they continued to invest. First there were small winnings, then the lure of big money and finally the loss of 60,000 euros, which was never paid out again.
Such cases are increasing in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The police regularly conduct investigations that rarely result in victims getting their money back.
The police warn urgently about these professional perpetrators and explain warning signs that you should pay attention to before transferring money.
How to protect yourself
- Don’t trust dream returns: Whether it’s a fixed-term deposit with 8% interest or Bitcoin profits that double weekly – there are no high returns without risk. If the offer sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.
- Use a search engine: Scammers’ websites often appear professional. Don’t rely on reviews you find there. Instead, you can find out more by, for example, entering the name of the provider into a search engine along with terms such as “scam” or “experiences”. Other victims often warn in forums.
- Don’t let yourself be put under pressure: Fraudsters deliberately create time pressure and try to pressure you into making quick decisions. A reputable advisor will always give you time to think about it.
- Consult your house bank: Before you make an investment, speak to an advisor you trust or ask your bank for an assessment. Four eyes see more than two.
And if it’s too late?
If you suspect fraud, break off contact immediately. Report this to the police immediately. Notify your bank to try to stop or recover payments. Save evidence such as emails and chat histories.
