When trust is exploited

Day after day, people fall for the clever tricks of fraudsters: telephone fraud knows no bounds. They pose as relatives, close acquaintances, or even police officers. Using plausible and often frightening stories, they try to gain their victims’ trust – and thereby get hold of their money or personal details.

How to protect yourself:

• Be wary if you’re put under pressure over the phone or if someone asks you for money, valuables or personal details. If in doubt, hang up immediately. 
• Do not disclose any passwords, bank details or credit card details.  
• Never hand over money or valuables to strangers.  
• Call relatives or friends back yourself using the number you know.  
• Do not rely on the number displayed on the screen. It may have been manipulated. If someone claims to be a police officer, you can end the call and contact the police yourself by dialling 117. 
• Speak to someone you trust before transferring or handing over any money.