Beware of fraud: Consumer advice center warns against calls from the wrong number

Calls from wrong number

Scammers use various pretexts to obtain personal information or demand money from those they call. For example, some claim to allow banks or savings banks to reimburse fees in order to obtain sensitive information. Others offer alleged advice on how to reduce energy costs or claim to want to provide information about a change in the law on life insurance.

It is even said that the fraudsters claim that there is a debt collection request from the consumer advice center and that this can be settled with an immediate cash payment. At the end of the conversation, the phone number of the consumer advice center is often given to give the impression that the call is legitimate. This procedure is known as “Call ID spoofing”.

The North Rhine-Westphalia consumer advice center makes it clear that it never calls unsolicited and does not come to consumers' homes unannounced. If a caller claims to be from the consumer advice center, it is recommended to be skeptical and not to reveal any personal information. If in doubt, it is recommended to contact the consumer advice center directly after the telephone call.

The police advise those affected to be critical when receiving calls from unknown people and not to allow themselves to be put under pressure. It is recommended not to disclose sensitive information or send photos of sensitive documents. Care should be taken to ensure that phone numbers on the display can be manipulated and that, in case of doubt, the authority, bank or company is called back using a number that is already known and reliable.

In the event of such fraudulent calls, it is recommended to file a criminal complaint with the local police station.

According to a report by www.n-tv.de,