Police of the Czech Republic warns seniors against scammers
press release of the Police of the Czech Republic, Criminal Police and Investigation Service
Police of the Czech Republic warns seniors against fraudsters
In recent years, fraudulent acts perpetrated against the elderly have become widespread in the Czech Republic. A scammer will contact a lonely senior citizen by telephone on his/her PRIVATE PHONE LINE, claiming that his/her grandchild has run into problems (e.g. health problems, debt, etc.) and needs money immediately.
The scammers communicate very convincingly and know the names of the family members. Believing that they are helping their loved ones, the senior believes the scammer and gives their entire life savings, which can sometimes amount to large sums. The fraudsters' actions are not only liquidating for the senior, but also very selfish, taking advantage of their advanced age and loneliness.
The other possibility is that the scammers ring the doorbell and claim they are going to check on something, want to to sell something, or to change a higher-value note, thus forcing the elderly person to "declassify" the money they have stashed. If they are let in, one keeps the call and the other steals the cash and jewelry.
How to defend yourself?
If someone calls you and tells you that your grandchild (son, etc.) is in trouble and asking for money, DO NOT COMMIT. DO NOT give the money. Check with other family members and contact the police.
If someone rings your doorbell and demands to enter your home under various pretexts, DO NOT let anyone in. Real inspectors announce the date of the inspection in advance and show ID. Do NOT buy anything.
Be AWOL. Gather all your BRAVE and COURAGE and unequivocally say NO.
Contact the Czech Police: 158