Scammers pose as relatives in fake traffic accident bail scheme
Elderly residents in the Schmalkalden-Meiningen area were targeted by scammers on Wednesday. The fraudsters pretended to be relatives in trouble, claiming a serious traffic accident had occurred. Their goal was to trick victims into handing over cash for fake bail payments.
The scammers called residents and posed as family members in urgent need. They falsely stated that a loved one had been in a traffic accident and now faced jail unless bail was paid immediately. To appear more convincing, they instructed victims to drop off money near courthouses or police stations.
No financial harm occurred in this case, as all victims recognised the scam before paying. Police continue to warn against phone fraud, stressing that legitimate authorities will never demand bail money in this way. Anyone receiving suspicious calls is urged to verify the situation before taking action.
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