New Scam: False Police Tips Lead to Burglary Scheme

Overview of the Scam

A new fraud scheme involving impersonation of police officers has been identified in Spiesen-Elversberg, Germany. Scammers call residents posing as police officers and give seemingly helpful advice about where to store valuables. However, this is actually a reconnaissance tactic to gather information for subsequent burglaries.

How the Scam Works

• Scammers call residents impersonating police officers or police representatives
• They establish credibility by mentioning recent burglaries in the area
• They ask questions like "Where do you keep your valuables?"
• They offer false advice such as "That location is unsafe. Keep them here instead"
• Actual thieves later use this information to break in and steal from the suggested location

Warning Signs and Red Flags

1. Unsolicited police calls: Legitimate police do not call individuals to give unsolicited advice about property security
2. Questions about valuables: Real police will not ask where you store your valuables
3. Suggestions to relocate items: Advising you to move valuables to a different location is a scam indicator
4. Creating urgency: Mentioning crime waves to pressure you into immediate action

Prevention Tips

• Never share information by phone: Do not discuss your valuables or their storage locations with unsolicited callers
• Verify the caller: Hang up and call the police yourself using the official police number to verify the call
• Treat all unsolicited calls with suspicion: Legitimate police rarely contact citizens unsolicited about personal valuables
• Report impersonation: If you receive a call impersonating police, file a report with the actual police
• Inform family members: Educate household members, especially elderly relatives, about this scam

Where to Report

• German Police Emergency: 110
• Local police station: Visit in person to report the fraudulent call
• Official police websites: Many regional police departments have online reporting forms for fraud