Grandchildren tricksters have a new trick: they want to rip off citizens via WhatsApp. However, they failed with a Vogtland woman.
Reichenbach/Vogtland – The notorious grandchild tricksters are just discovering a new field of activity. They try to rob unsuspecting citizens of their savings via messenger. In two cases in Werdau and Rosenbach they were successful. The perpetrators stole 6200 euros. The police Zwickau warn of this scam.
–
Old trick in a new dress: Annette Günthel (46) did not let the grandchildren tricks her. ©Ralph Kunz
In contrast to the grandchild trick on the phone, the new scam works in writing. Annett Günthel (46) from Reichenbach/Vogtland received such a WhatsApp: “At 11.39 a.m. my cell phone went ‘Bing’. I checked and it said ‘Hello Mom. My cell phone is broken. Now I have a new number and my old cell phone. Heart Smiley.'”
Günthel has a son. She called his old number and the supposedly new number. Both times without success. Then the news continued. The alleged son needed two transfers by 1 p.m. Günthel: “I can’t do it.” Him: “Until 3 p.m.?” She: “I’m at work. You can go to the bank.” He: “No. I’m at work.”
Luckily, Annett Günthel’s real son called back. “I had doubts, but now I was blown away.” The son knew: “The news is fake.” The woman from Reichenbach then called the police.
–
Police spokesman Christian Schünemann (38) warns of fraud via messenger: “The number of cases is increasing.” He asks: “Be suspicious and do not pay money without direct contact with their relatives.”
–
