The police warn of scammers posing as police officers. Many e-mails are currently circulating about an alleged subpoena by Interpol, Europol or other police organizations. Attachments should never be opened.
Police: scammers send out false summonses
The State Criminal Police Office of Lower Saxony warns of a new wave of phishing where scammers imitate the police themselves. The e-mails mention a subpoena that allegedly came from Interpol, Europol, the European Police Office or the Federal Police. The e-mails are suffixed to subject lines such as “summons to court” or “Crimea/VER/REG/SUBMONED/No. 07006…-Important” and contain a PDF file. Under no circumstances should this be opened, advises the State Criminal Police Office.
Unlike the known phishing emails, the new ones stand out at first glance not due to incorrect grammar and spelling out. In addition, the messages are equipped with official logos to ensure more seriousness. Fake signatures and stamps can also be found. However, these are “felt indiscriminately mixed or fictitious” (source: State Criminal Police Office Lower Saxony).
Recipients become one in the emails Opinion on trumped-up allegations asked. These allegations include exhibitionism, child pornography or “online masturbation”. A deadline is set for the alleged suspects to come forward. If this does not happen, the warning goes, then personal data would be published and family members and friends informed.
There are also dangers lurking on the phone, as our video shows:
Police: Never reply to phishing emails
Recipients should ignore the emails and never reply. A copy of the identity card should also not be made and sent. If the phishing emails have already been answered, Contact the local police station and file a complaint there.