Bank robbers in custody: Ten investigations lead to four detentions of suspected fraudsters
In a series of raids on May 15th, the Public Prosecutor's Office and Police targeted the "fake bank employee" scam across several German cities, including Dortmund, Lünen, Bergkamen, Recklinghausen, Essen, Bochum, and Gelsenkirchen. Among those arrested were four men, including a 20-year-old from Lünen, a 21-year-old from Lünen, a 24-year-old from Essen, and a 26-year-old from Bergkamen. Three others were temporarily detained.
The digital payment card is a key tool used by these perpetrators for purchases and cash withdrawals. The scam involves sending emails instructing recipients to visit a bank's website, where victims enter their online banking credentials. The scammers then log into the victim's account, create a digital payment card, and call the victim for the Push-TAN procedure.
Despite these arrests, the "fake bank employee" scam remains a significant threat in Germany. Scams overall have surged through 2025, with a high frequency of attempts—54% of adults encountered scams in the past year, and of those, 46% fell victim, losing an average of €820 each. Elderly people are the most severely impacted group financially, indicating continued vulnerability despite police actions.
For instance, on August 6, 2025, two suspects were apprehended in Hamburg while targeting an 82-year-old man by impersonating call center representatives instructing large cash withdrawals. The police intervened before further losses occurred.
The police warn against this scam and provide preventive tips. They encourage educating people, especially the elderly, about fraudsters' tricks. They advise being cautious and attentive when contacted by unknown numbers and being suspicious of quick decisions or contact with strangers. Never discuss financial or personal circumstances with strangers over the phone, hang up immediately if a conversation partner asks for money or account details, or delete suspicious text messages. Your bank will never ask for account details over the phone.
If you receive a suspicious call or text message, contact the police on 110. Check account activity regularly to quickly detect any fraudulent debits. Never approve transactions or reveal TAN or PIN for transactions you haven't initiated. Be wary of suspicious details such as unusual internet addresses, unknown phone numbers, and impersonal greetings. Do not reveal account details or family circumstances to unknown individuals.
During the raids, officers seized two high-value cars (Mercedes, Porsche), two high-value watches, a low six-figure sum of cash, a high four-figure sum of counterfeit money, 53 mobile phones, five laptops, hundreds of gift cards with a four-figure value, four PTB weapons, and a money counting machine. The arrestees and detainees may be brought before a judge on Friday (May 16th) at the request of the Public Prosecutor's Office in Dortmund.
For media inquiries, contact Public Prosecutor Henner Kruse at Tel. 0231/92626122.
1) The "fake bank employee" scam, using digital payment cards and compromised online banking credentials, remains a pressing concern in Germany's general-news and crime-and-justice sectors.
2) Apart from managing personal accounts, it is essential for individuals to stay vigilant about cybersecurity threats, employing preventive tips from the police to protect themselves from financial fraud and uphold the integrity of technology.
