Fraudsters in Bonn: 20-year-olds brought around 1,000 euros-help!

Fraudsters in Bonn: 20-year-olds brought around 1,000 euros-help!

The Bonn police have currently uncovered a case that impressively shows how temptingly appearing offers can lead to fraud. On March 29, 2025, a helpful 20-year-old woman was the victim of an awkward deception. The unknown man, who asked her on Colognestrasse, convinced her to lend him 1,000 euros, with the promise to repay the money immediately by direct transfer. But instead of the hoped -for repayment, the story ended very differently for the young woman. The police report that despite their well -intentioned help, there was no money in their account and that the man made it in an unknown direction. Investigations that followed have so far not led to the identification of the perpetrator.

The criminal commissioner 24 determines in several similar cases and published the images of the perpetrator on judicial decision. These can be viewed on the FahnungsPortal of the police NRW. The police are now asking the population for help: information on the identity of the man can be reported both by phone on 0228 15-0 and by email to kk24.bonn@polizei.nrw.de

The mesh: How victims get into the crosshair

What can you learn from this incident? Fraudsters often use psychological tricks to manipulate their victims. In this case, the procedure was to give the appearance of urgent shortage of money. But not only on the street, there are always similar fraudulent machinations at ATMs. According to the [Police Advice] (https://www.polizei-beratung.de/themen-und-tipps/betrug/betrug-an-geld automaten/), it is common practice that perpetrators install manipulated devices. These look true to the original and can tap bank cards unnoticed.

Did you ever notice that something like that doesn't just happen to machines? Again and again we hear from cases in which the PIN input of customers is recorded with hidden cameras. This data is then often used for unauthorized withdrawals. So it is advisable to be particularly careful and always have a look at whether ATMs do not appear manipulated.

a comprehensive problem

In the course of current developments, it is important that financial service providers also become active. As mentioned in a recent study by PWC, you should not only inform your customer: inside not only regularly about fraud forms such as phishing and visiting, but also ensure that technical and organizational measures are strengthened for protection. These information campaigns are particularly important to address different age groups.