Caution! Call center fraudsters are active in Munich – tips for seniors!

Caution! Call center fraudsters are active in Munich – tips for seniors!

A wave of fraud is once again causing a stir in Munich. Criminals once again made the great vulnerability of older people the focus of their unscrupulous activities. On August 12, 2025, an organized call center fraud occurred in Ludwigsvorstadt in which the perpetrator posed as a criminal police officer. The affected woman, aged over 80, was confronted with allegations that break-ins had been committed in her neighborhood. To “protect” her valuables, she should leave jewelry, cash and bank cards outside her front door. The result: A five-figure amount and a number of valuable items were stolen. Fortunately, the victim informed the police emergency number 110 and filed a report. Commissariat 61 is now investigating and is urgently looking for witnesses from the Bavariaring, Güllstrasse and Stielerstrasse areas who could contribute something to the events. The Bavarian Police reports that such incidents unfortunately happen again and again.

But the fraud didn't just start here. A similar incident happened in Blumenau on July 17, 2025. A man in his 70s was contacted by a supposed police officer who claimed he had counterfeit money in order to set him up for a scam. While a meeting was being arranged at the apartment, the perpetrator eventually stole several thousand euros in cash from the victim and fled. The police were also informed about the emergency call, but the search was unsuccessful. In this case too, Commissariat 61 is investigating. As a preventative measure, the police advise always checking the authenticity of callers independently and not allowing unknown people into the apartment. In general, such scams, often under the guise of call center fraud, have become a central phenomenon. News Munich provides important information on this.

Elderly people: A popular target for fraudsters

The increase in such fraud cases is not just a local phenomenon. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office, fraud crime in Germany fell by 1.5 percent overall in 2024. Nevertheless, call center fraud remains a key issue, in many cases specifically targeting seniors. The perpetrators use modern technologies to make their scams appear credible and to fake real telephone numbers. Prevention crises are therefore of essential importance. The police are planning more information events to educate older citizens about common tricks.

But fraud was not the only focus on August 12th. In Obersendling, a 78-year-old was arrested after an exhibitionist act. The man performed sexual acts on himself while looking at two 24 and 25 year old women. The perpetrator was immediately arrested by the police emergency number 110 and is now under an arrest warrant. Another violent event took place on the banks of the Isar in Sendling, where a 34-year-old suffered from shortness of breath due to an argument with an unknown person and had to be taken to hospital. The police are also looking for witnesses here.

In a city that can sometimes be too turbulent, the police are responsible for protecting citizens and ensuring safety. Due to the current incidents, it is once again clear how important it is to be attentive and support each other. Because one thing is clear: a courageous call back to the police can often prevent something worse from happening.