Unterägeri,11.08.2009
Pensioner tricked out of CHF 145,000
A 71-year-old man has been swindled out of CHF 145,000 by a German con-man in a telephone scam. The man received a phone call from someone claiming to be related to him, saying he desperately needed money to buy real estate in Switzerland since a bank transfer from Germany had not gone through. The caller then asked the man to withdraw CHF 145,000.
According to police, the pensioner went to his bank and, despite a warning from the bank personnel, withdrew the cash and gave it to an assistant of the supposed relative and never heard from the man again.
Police have warned of the so-called "nephew trick". In the past year, several people in the area have received similar calls, always from someone claiming to be a long-lost relative asking for money.
Police have given the following tips to prevent becoming a victim to such a scheme.
- Never fall for a long-lost relative calling asking for money.
- If you receive such a call, inform police immediately.
- Never withdraw large amounts of cash.
- Respond correctly to critical questions by bank personnel.
- Set a maximum withdrawal limit with your bank.
- Require a joint signature and assign an access authorisation for your account.
If you should fall prey to such a scheme, inform police immediately. Take note of any pertinent details of the perpetrator such as telephone number, voice, appearance, licence plate number and type of car.