An elderly woman from Tegernsee fell victim to an elaborate phone scam, losing €40,000 in cash on Wednesday. The police have reported that the 72-year-old received a call from someone pretending to be a prosecutor. The caller claimed her son had caused a traffic accident resulting in a young woman’s death. To prevent her son from facing imprisonment, she was instructed to hand over €40,000 as bail.
The scammers went to great lengths to make their story convincing, even allowing the victim to speak with someone they claimed was her son. This deceit was so believable that the woman handed over the requested money. The police have not yet disclosed the details of the transaction’s location or circumstances, citing ongoing investigations.
It was only two hours later that the woman realized she had been duped and contacted the police. Authorities are now seeking witnesses who may have noticed suspicious individuals or vehicles in the Tegernsee area between 12 and 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Tips can be reported to the Bad Wiessee police station at 08022/98780.
This incident appears to be part of a broader trend of similar scams. The Oberbayern South police department is currently warning residents of the Miesbach district, particularly Bad Wiessee and surrounding areas, about fraudulent calls. They report that scammers are targeting elderly individuals with fake shock stories to gain access to their savings and valuables. The police advise never to disclose personal or financial information over the phone and to hang up if in doubt. Victims should verify the legitimacy of any such calls by contacting emergency services or local police. Additionally, individuals should not let strangers into their homes who may inquire about the location of valuables. It is crucial to inform and educate family members, especially the elderly, about the dangers of these scams.
