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The SCARS Institute Magazine about Scam Victims-Survivors, Scams, Fraud & Cybercrime
Europol Arrests 70 Scammers Plus Kingpin
By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Europol & Police Unplug International Phone Scam Network
The Kingpin and over 70 scammer associates were arrested by Europol and police partners; the network used pleas of “fake relatives” to extort victims for over EUR 5 million in damages
Europol plus law enforcement from Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom, have tracked down and arrested the head of a criminal network responsible for defrauding hundreds of elderly citizens. The suspect was taken into custody near London, from where he directed a network of fraudsters targeting mainly German and Polish citizens. While executing the arrest warrant issued by Polish authorities, officers seized crucial evidence such as mobile phones in the suspect’s residence. Meanwhile, German police conducted searches in five locations and seized over EUR 160 000 in cash, gold bars and gold coins, as well as jewelry, phones, and other electronic devices.
Europol Says “Unwitting Accomplices Sent To Collect Cash”
The organized criminal network specialized in calling elderly citizens across Germany and Poland pretending to be police officers or representing other official authorities was identified by Europol.
Europol said that Victims were informed that one of their relatives has been responsible for a car accident or similar event resulting in injuries or death of other persons. The scam caller would then hand over the phone to an accomplice, who would cry or scream into the phone frantically, imploring the victim to lend help. This approach was intended to shock the elderly person, allowing the caller to proceed with the fraudulent procedure and ask for the handover of money to avoid the fake relative’s detention.
The criminals would instruct the victim about the handover procedure, then send a person to collect the money at the victim’s doorstep. In order to minimize exposure and avoid the risk of arrest, the criminal network recruited unwitting accomplices for this task, via online job platforms.
Over the course of the Europol & local police investigation, over 70 persons taking part in this scam were arrested, for example: while they were collecting money at the victim’s homes. The overall damage amounts to around EUR 5 million and is estimated that up to EUR 1.4 million of losses could be prevented thanks to this successful takedown.
Financial Damage, Emotional Distress, And Loss Of Trust Authorities As Consequence
Crimes targeting elderly citizens through scam calls, where individuals impersonate representatives of police and judicial authorities, pose a grave danger and have a profound impact on the victims. Apart from those who suffered, also had often irrecoverable financial damage, which can cause emotional distress and a loss of trust in legitimate authorities.
In addition to impersonating officials, including law enforcement and in some cases healthcare personnel, other impersonation scams include the so-called grandchild or nephew trick. In these cases, perpetrators pose as close relatives of the targeted victims, most often the elderly, and pretend to have encountered financial, legal, or health difficulties in order to fraudulently obtain money, according to Europol.
Criminal networks active in impersonation frauds pose a significant threat within the EU and are highly adaptable to wider developments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, some perpetrators adapted their schemes to pretend to be sick relatives in need of money.
It is important to stay vigilant and protect yourself from scam calls by not sharing personal or financial information with unknown callers. Law enforcement and other officials will never ask for money or payments over the telephone or in person by showing up at your door. If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately and call the police.
Europol’s Role
Europol supported this investigation with three operational meetings held in The Hague and United Kingdom. Furthermore, Europol analyzed the provided data and supported the investigators with specialized knowledge of this crime field.
Participating authorities:
- Germany: Bureau of Investigation Baden-Wuerttemberg (Landeskriminalamt Baden-Württemberg)
- Poland: Biuro Kryminalne Komendy Głównej Policji (Criminal Bureau of the National Police Headquarters in Warsaw); Komenda Wojewódzka Policji w Katowicach (Vivoidship Police Headquarters in Katowice)
- United Kingdom: National Crime Agency
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
SCARS Institute now offers a free recovery program at www.SCARSeducation.org
Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors, please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and not to blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and help victims avoid scams in the future. At times, this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims; we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens, and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
SCARS INSTITUTE RESOURCES:
IF YOU HAVE BEEN VICTIMIZED BY A SCAM OR CYBERCRIME
♦ If you are a victim of scams, go to www.ScamVictimsSupport.org for real knowledge and help
♦ Enroll in SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
♦ To report criminals, visit https://reporting.AgainstScams.org – we will NEVER give your data to money recovery companies like some do!
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♦ Learn about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
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♦ Scam Survivor’s Stories: www.ScamSurvivorStories.org
♦ For Scam Victim Advocates visit www.ScamVictimsAdvocates.org
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Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair, please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
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A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish. Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors’ experience. You can do Google searches, but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
