Scamsters on the Rise: Property Crimes Increase in Cologne Due to New Fraud Scheme

In recent years, cases have increased in which citizens became victims of property crimes by falling for offenders posing as police officers, tricking them into voluntarily handing over money and valuables. These incidents mostly involve phone calls, frequently targeting older Cologne residents, in which the caller pretends to be a police officer. The perpetrators often use the pretext (the “legend”) that the supposed officer is chasing an international burglary ring targeting the victim’s property. The scammer offers assistance in securing the victim’s cash and valuables, persuading them to deposit these items at a predetermined location or hand them over to a “trustworthy colleague.” Occasionally, the legend also involves the supposed officer offering support regarding alleged criminal charges or investigations against the victim.

Most Cologne residents are at least cautious enough not to fall for the bait immediately. However, the perpetrators are persistent, calling repeatedly and gradually building a false sense of trust with the victim. If you suspect that you are being harassed by such a scammer (including variants like the “grandchild trick”), do not act alone—contact the police or the private detectives of Kurtz Investigations Cologne: +49 221 4558 0377.

The Doctor Legend Appears More Frequently

Unsuspecting victims pick up the phone to hear a voice claiming to be Dr. Mustermann, a trauma surgeon at the Musterzentrum specialist clinic. Dr. Mustermann supposedly informs the victim that their son has been severely injured in a traffic accident and urgently needs medical care. Life is at risk. Allegedly, the son’s health insurance does not cover the treatment. Unless a four-figure sum is paid immediately in cash, Dr. Mustermann cannot help. Victims are instructed to meet a nurse at a specific location to hand over the money.

Scammers repeatedly employ this ruthless scheme. Fortunately, most potential victims remain calm and question the supposed doctor’s claims. Nevertheless, some fall for the scam and lose significant sums. Remember: a doctor in Germany will never demand cash payment for treating a critically injured patient.