Freiburg police warn of surging phone scams targeting bank customers

Your bank would never call asking for PINs or cards—yet scammers just stole thousands. Here's how Freiburg residents can fight back before it's too late.

, and Administrator

2026 May 1 . 2:06 AM

1 min read

The image shows a poster with text and a logo that reads "When companies sneak hidden junk fees into families' bills, it can take hundreds of dollars a month out of their pockets."

Freiburg police warn of surging phone scams targeting bank customers

Fraudsters are posing as bank employees to swindle people out of their money in the Freiburg area. On Wednesday, April 30, 2026, the Freiburg Police Headquarters issued a warning about a surge in such scam calls across the greater Freiburg region. According to authorities, the perpetrators falsely claim there are issues with account withdrawals and pressure their victims into compliance.

In many cases, the callers demand that victims hand over their debit cards to supposed bank staff. Some also request sensitive information such as PINs or TAN codes, allegedly for an update to the banking app.

Police reports indicate that several of these fraud attempts have already succeeded, with total losses amounting to approximately €10,000 so far.

Authorities emphasize that banks will never ask for confidential data over the phone or request the surrender of payment cards. Anyone receiving a suspicious call is urged to hang up immediately and dial the emergency number.

Investigations are ongoing, and the public is being advised to exercise heightened caution.