Suspects of a WhatsApp fraud were identified in Hamburg, who are said to have hired so-called account providers.
You can also become an involuntary accomplice on WhatsApp. So be careful with strange numbers. (Source: rafapress/depositphotos.com)
- The traces of a WhatsApp fraud lead to three Hamburg districts.
- Five suspects are said to have hired so-called account givers who pass on the stolen money to them.
- The police were able to secure evidence. However, it is not only the middlemen who are liable to prosecution, but also the account holders.
Fraud attempts via WhatsApp have recently increased rapidly. The grandchild trick already known from the telephone is particularly popular. Now the Hamburg police have apparently succeeded in striking the backers of such a scam.
According to their own statements, the police recently secured evidence from five suspected middlemen in the Horn, Jenfeld and Rahlstedt districts of Hamburg. The intermediaries between the ages of 19 and 20 are said to have worked as so-called “logistics” and mainly recruited people of the same age as account givers for the fraud attempts. In the course of the investigation, more than a dozen account givers were also identified.
The account providers provide the criminals with the bank details to which the victims should transfer the money. They are often recruited under the pretense of easy money making and false pretenses. Incidentally, the account providers are also threatened with criminal charges on suspicion of money laundering. The police therefore warn: Be careful with fast, easy money.
That’s what the police advise
In order not to be placed in a WhatsApp scam yourself, you should be suspicious of unknown numbers, especially when it comes to money. In addition, the police advises to consider the following behavior tips:
- Reach out to known contacts via old availability in case they out of nowhere pretend to have a new number.
- Blocks unknown and suspicious contacts.
- Do not let yourself be put under any pressure and do not transfer anything on your own. Talk to friends or family beforehand.
- Inform acquaintances, relatives and friends about the scam.
- If you have already transferred money, contact your bank immediately. Sometimes a transfer can still be undone.
- File a complaint. You can do this in person at a station or at an online station.
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