SPD leaders disclose details about phone scams
In a bid to empower older citizens and protect them from falling victim to phone scams, Senior Detectives Jenny Verhoefen and Laura Millow from the Oberhausen Police's Department of Criminal Prevention and Victim Protection led a discussion at the Protestant community center in Holten. The event, titled "Safety in Old Age," focused on the topic of "Dangers on the Phone."
The detectives highlighted several common phone scam tactics, including impersonating bank or government officials, urgent demands for money or personal information, impersonating family members in distress, technical support personnel, or offering fake prize offers. These scams often exploit seniors' trust, loneliness, or unfamiliarity with modern technology to gain access to financial accounts or personal details.
Detectives Verhoefen and Millow emphasised the importance of recognising red flags such as unsolicited calls, poor grammar, unusual requests for large cash withdrawals, and urgent or aggressive tones. Key advice included never acting on unsolicited calls about account issues without verifying independently, not giving out personal or account details on the phone, and reporting suspicious calls immediately.
The detectives also addressed the "Grandparent Scam," where scammers impersonate a grandchild in distress, and "Shock Calls," which are designed to scare victims into complying with the scammer's demands. Another topic covered was "Messenger Fraud," which involves scammers gaining access to a victim's social media or messaging accounts to perpetrate fraud. Additionally, the detectives discussed "Impersonating Fake Officials," where scammers pose as officials from banks, the government, or other trusted institutions to deceive victims.
The insights from this discussion align with broader findings from investigations and prevention efforts, showing that phone scams leading to significant financial loss often follow these patterns. Seniors are urged to maintain vigilance, verify caller identities, avoid sharing sensitive information, and use call-blocking technologies where possible to protect themselves.
By attending this event, attendees were empowered to recognise common tricks used by criminals and were provided with the knowledge to protect themselves from becoming targets of these scams. The goal of the event was to prevent attendees from falling victim to these scams and to promote a safer environment for older citizens.
- In light of the rising concerns about mental health and general news, it's crucial for seniors to be aware of the 'Grandparent Scam' and 'Shock Calls,' as they can influences one's emotional state and potentially lead to financial loss.
- The health-and-wellness aspect of older citizens extends beyond physical well-being, encompassing mental health and financial security. Recognizing scams such as 'Impersonating Fake Officials' or 'Messenger Fraud' can prevent victims from falling into the trap of such criminal activities.
- The discussion on 'Dangers on the Phone'不仅是关于保护老年人免受电话骗局的廉
