The corona pandemic also affects the crime statistics in the individual communities: Although burglaries and pickpockets have decreased, fraud on the phone and at the front door has increased.
Schäftlarn's mayor Christian Fürst is now warning, together with the police, of the latest scams in a community letter. The grandchildren's trick is still popular. Scammers are still trying to get hold of it. Seniors in particular are fooled into thinking that a relative is in an emergency from which they can only get out by paying a larger sum of money.
"Now there is the version with the corona virus," the experts know. The victim is told that the relative was infected with the virus - and cash or other valuables are needed to pay for their treatment. “Don't be tempted to give the name of your grandson or niece yourself,” advises the police. “Ask the caller to do so.” Describing things, people, or occurrences that are only known to real relatives can also help identify the person on the other end of the line. "It is better to call the relatives who are involved on the telephone number you know - and do not give any information about family and financial circumstances."
Other fraudsters pretend to be employees of the health department and ask to have a corona test done. The “special price” for this: 5,000 to 7,000 euros. The perpetrators often ring the doorbell directly at the front door and offer this "service" to be carried out in the apartment. “Do not get involved in carrying out expensive tests.” In addition, asking your family doctor or health department whether a test has been ordered at all will bring clarity. And: "Do not let anyone into the apartment, and do not let threats unsettle you." You can defend yourself against energetic visitors by speaking loudly or shouting for help. "If the situation seems suspicious to you, or if you are threatened, call the police immediately on 110."
