Bochum Residents Warned of Cyber Trading Fraud Surge
Bochum residents are cautioned to be extra vigilant online due to a rise in cyber trading fraud cases. Over 1.26 million euros have been lost to scammers in the past 18 months, with three recent cases involving elderly victims.
Authorities stress vigilance, as scammers employ sophisticated tactics to deceive victims. They use professionally designed ads, fake news articles, or messaging services to mimic real investment platforms. Once they gain trust, they manipulate victims emotionally and demand fees or taxes for supposed profits.
In one instance, an 82-year-old Bochum resident lost 555,000 euros to a fake online advertisement promising lucrative investments. More recently, a 71-year-old woman from Bochum invested 280,000 euros in alleged cryptocurrencies after being lured by a fake news article. In another incident, a 56-year-old woman from Witten lost about 430,000 euros to an investment group on social media, contacted by fake investment advisors.
Scammers are now increasingly inviting victims to investment chat groups on messaging services, often using foreign phone numbers.
Bochum Police Presidium warns that cyber trading fraud is a serious threat to consumers, with significant financial losses reported. Everyone is urged to stay vigilant, verify the identity of online contacts, and report suspicious activities promptly to protect themselves from financial losses.
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