Fake Police Calls Targeting Seniors: German Police Warn of Growing Scam in Krefeld

German police in Krefeld have warned of a scam in which fraudsters impersonate police officers and call seniors, requesting valuables be handed over. The perpetrators target individuals from obituaries and spoof the police emergency number 110 on the caller display.

How the Scam Works

German police in Krefeld issued a warning on August 20, 2026, about increasing phone scams targeting seniors. Perpetrators impersonate police officers and call elderly residents. The scam is particularly deceptive because the calls display "110" (Germany's emergency police number) on the caller ID, creating a false sense of legitimacy.

The fraudsters target victims by mining obituary notices. They then contact recently widowed seniors, claiming that they know the person is now living alone and offering to help secure valuables in safe places. The ultimate goal is to convince victims to hand over money, jewelry, or other valuable items.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Police never request valuables by phone: Legitimate police will never ask for money, credit cards, or valuables to be surrendered over the telephone.
Police do not call from the 110 number: The 110 number is exclusively for incoming emergency calls; police will never initiate calls from this number.
Obituary information exploitation: Individuals who have recently lost family members are particularly vulnerable to this type of scam.

How to Protect Yourself

Hang up immediately on suspicious calls: If you receive an unexpected call claiming to be from police, end the call promptly.
Verify independently: Do not follow instructions given over the phone. Instead, contact the police directly using a publicly listed official number to verify the call.
Consult trusted contacts: Before taking any action based on a phone call, discuss it with family members or trusted friends.
Protect personal information: Never disclose personal details, financial information, or information about your assets over the phone to unknown callers.

Where to Report

If you receive such a fraudulent call, contact Krefeld Police immediately at 02151 6340.

While no confirmed victims have been identified in the current wave of attacks, authorities acknowledge that unreported cases may exist.