Munich, May 6 – A 70-year-old woman from Munich has become the victim of a perfidious ‘shock call’ scam, losing an estimated 800,000 euros in gold and silver. The incident, reported by Munich police, highlights the ongoing threat of this fraudulent method despite repeated warnings.
Scammers Impersonate Police, Claim Daughter Caused Fatal Accident
According to Munich police, an unknown individual, posing as a police officer, contacted the woman by phone. The scammer falsely informed her that her daughter was involved in a car accident as a suspect, and that a child had died in the incident. The caller then demanded a six-figure sum as bail to prevent her daughter from being incarcerated.
Manipulated by the fraudsters, the senior citizen was persuaded to hand over more than five kilograms of gold and silver. The total value of the coins and gold bars is estimated to be 800,000 euros.
Victim Realizes Deception Hours Later, Police Investigate
The 70-year-old only realized she had been scammed more than two hours after the handover. She used her neighbour’s phone to call her daughter, who confirmed she had not been in an accident. The victim then reported the fraud to the police with her neighbour’s assistance.
Police have not yet been able to confirm how the valuables were transported, though there are indications that the perpetrator may have been on foot during the exchange. Investigations are ongoing, and the police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Police Issue Repeated Warnings Against ‘Shock Call’ Scams
Authorities regularly warn the public about this sophisticated fraud scheme, which has collectively netted millions of euros for criminal gangs. The perpetrators exploit the victims’ fear and concern for their relatives to manipulate them. Investigators advise people to regularly discuss these dangers with elderly family members and raise awareness.
The true extent of this type of fraud is difficult to ascertain with certainty. Police statistics record thousands of cases, but experts believe there is a significant dark figure, as not all incidents are reported.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Efforts to Combat Fraud
This incident is not isolated. Just last month, on April 17, 2026, telephone fraudsters attempted to scam a retired police officer in Upper Bavaria, who managed to turn the tables on them. This year alone, over a million euros have been stolen through ‘shock calls’ in southern Upper Bavaria, primarily involving seniors handing over gold, jewellery, and cash.
The Munich police continue their efforts to combat these fraudulent activities, urging the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious calls. They emphasize that genuine police officers would never demand bail money over the phone or request the handover of valuables.
The case underscores the critical need for public awareness and caution when receiving unexpected calls, especially those involving urgent financial demands or claims of family emergencies.
