police reports

Status: November 2024

The fraudsters call you using a withheld or technically altered number. For example, the number 030 110. They pretend to be police officers and usually report a robbery or a break-in in the neighborhood. Through clever conversation, they make you believe that your assets are also in danger. The fraudsters try to unsettle you. They want to know whether you have any money or valuables at home. Gold jewelry, gold bars and gold coins are of particular interest. They offer to have a police officer come to you and take your valuables to safety.

Recently, some of the crimes resulted in damages amounting to several hundred thousand euros.

Tips from the police:

• The police will never ask you for money or put your valuables in a safe place.
• Do not provide any information about your financial situation over the phone.
• Don't let anyone pressure you on the phone. Just hang up.
• Never give money to unknown people.

Status: November 2024

Many people used to buy seemingly valuable books (facsimiles) from book clubs as a collection. For example, reference works such as an encyclopedia.
Alleged representatives now pretend that there are interested buyers for the collections. In order to complete the purchase, they must be entered into sales databases. For this they charge high "service fees". But the sales databases do not even exist! No effort is made to actually sell the books.

In the past, those affected were often told that they had to buy missing books to complete the collection. These books were then sold at completely inflated prices and turned out to be worthless.

The police advise:

• Do not let strangers, especially representatives, into your home!
• Do not sign any contracts at the front door. Take your time to think about it!
• Check whether you can revoke concluded contracts or contest them on the grounds of usury.
• Never give your debit card and corresponding PIN to strangers.
• If you have any questions or problems, contact the police. File a report!

Status: October 2024

For example:
The doorbell rings. A tradesman urgently wants to come into the apartment. He claims there was a burst water pipe.
Detectives speak to you in the hallway. There was a break-in in the neighborhood. They need to check your apartment to see if everything is OK.

Thieves with acting talent want to gain access to other people's homes and steal from the residents. Once the perpetrators are in the home, they cleverly distract their victims. They let in accomplices unnoticed, who then steal money and valuables.

The police generally advise:

• Do not let strangers into your apartment!
• Never open your apartment door to strangers! This is not unfriendly, but purely a precautionary measure. Only open your door with the chain in front of you. Look through the peephole. Use the door intercom.
• Only let in tradesmen who are waiting for you. Ordered by you or announced in writing by the property management.
• Ask officials to show you their ID card. If in doubt, call the relevant authority if they want to enter your home.
• In an emergency, ask local residents for help! Ring your neighbors' doorbells, even if strangers meet you in the hallway and want something from you.
• Call out for help if you need it!
• In case of emergency always: 110

as of March 2024

In the digital world, there are many ways to meet new people. Fraudsters try to build romantic relationships with unsuspecting victims. Using fake profiles and false identities. They write sensitive messages. They gain trust by deception. They build an emotional bond. They take their time. But: At some point, a situation supposedly arises for which the victim is asked for money. Soon, more demands for money follow.

For detailed information on the procedures, visit polizei-beratung.de .

The police advise:

• Never transfer assets or financial favors to Internet acquaintances before you have met the person in real life!

as of August 2023

You use online banking and receive a call. The callers often claim to be bank employees. They say there is a problem with your account. They will help you and save your money. To do this, you must give them your TAN or confirm your TAN. Or you should forward a message from your bank. As an email, WhatsApp or SMS.

You may also be persuaded over the phone to allow remote maintenance of your computer. In return, you are asked to allow access to your computer.

The procedures vary. The goal is always your bank details and access to your account.

The police advise:

• Don't get involved in such conversations. Just hang up!
• Never tell or confirm your TAN to other people. Do not forward messages.
• Never allow access to your computer over the phone.
• If you have allowed access, disconnect the device immediately. For example, pull the plug.
• Find out more at the link: Berlin Police - Phishing, viruses, Trojans and more.

as of August 2023

Fraudsters are increasingly posing as banks. They send a message from an alleged bank. This can be an email or text message. The message looks very real. It can contain a bank's logo. You are asked to click on a link.

Warning: If you click on this link, you will be taken to a fake website. There you will be asked to enter your bank details. The fraudsters will read your data as you enter it. They can now access your account.

The police advise:

• Never access your online banking via a link in an email or text message.
• Only use your bank’s app or website for your online banking.

as of July 2023

Your daughter or son calls you, crying in despair. Your child has caused a fatal traffic accident with their car. They have been arrested by the police. The call is then taken over by the police. You are told that your child will be held in custody. Unless you help and pay bail.

The sequence of these calls may vary. But each time it is about a traffic accident caused by someone's fault and a bail payment. A call of this kind is always a scam!

The police advise:

• The police never ask for money over the phone. Not even bail!
• Don't let yourself be pressured.
• Ask family members.

Status: July 2023

Pickpockets specifically look for people with bags on shopping carts or walkers. The perpetrators can be both women and men. They often act in pairs. One person speaks to the victim and distracts them. In the meantime, the second person takes the wallet out of the bag unnoticed. Sometimes the entire handbag is stolen.

The police advise:

• Only take the necessary cash and valuables with you.
• Be careful when approached by strangers.
• Do not leave valuables hanging on the shopping cart or walker.
• Carry your valuables as close to your body as possible. Lockable inside jacket pockets, breast pouches and bum bags are ideal.

Preventing break-ins in apartments and houses can be an important issue for everyone. Break-ins can almost always be prevented. The specialist advisors at the Burglary Protection Advice Centre at the Berlin State Office of Criminal Investigation explain how this works. Free of charge and impartial.

We are happy to advise you:

• By phone at (030) 4664 979999
• In writing by email
  If you send us an email, please also include your telephone number.
• In the Burglary Protection Advice Center without prior appointment
• On-site at single-family homes and apartments in multi-family houses (if the risk of burglary is high due to the location of the house)
  This can be the case for apartments on the ground floor, on the first floor or at the very top of the building. Further details can be discussed by calling the service number (030) 4664 979999 .

Appointments for on-site consultations can be made by calling (030) 4664 979999 .

You can find the Burglary Protection Advisory Center here:
Platz der Luftbrücke 5
12101 Berlin

Opening hours:
Monday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday 08:00 - 15:00

You, our current 65+ generation, are active and on the move a lot. Whether on foot, by bike or in the car. This promotes health and allows you to participate actively in society.

Unfortunately, the current traffic accident situation in our state shows that accidents involving senior citizens have increased dramatically this year. This means that accidents while crossing the street are becoming more frequent.

That's why it's so important for us to point out the typical dangers on the road, especially during the dark season. We'll give you tips on how to do this. Our goal is to significantly increase your safety on the road and prevent accidents.

Our colleagues carry out campaigns all year round to ensure your safety and that of all road users.

At this point we would like to point out once again important rules of conduct in road traffic.

• Wear bright, reflective outerwear that is easy to see, especially during the dark season. This makes you clearly visible from a distance. The reflection will alert drivers to you as a pedestrian and/or cyclist early on.
• As a pedestrian and/or cyclist, ALWAYS use the existing crossing options on the road, such as the zebra crossing or the pedestrian or bicycle traffic light.
  The zebra crossing is often illuminated and therefore offers safety. The pedestrian/bicycle traffic light regulates the flow of traffic safely. Unfortunately, we are increasingly seeing serious accidents when crossing far from appropriate crossing options. Accept the longer route via a zebra crossing or pedestrian traffic light to cross the street safely.
• If you ride a bike in traffic, wear a helmet! Even if helmets are not compulsory, wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of serious or even fatal injuries.

We, the Berlin Police, offer prevention events and consultations at various locations throughout the year. External partners and actors in road safety work are also involved.
Please attend our events if possible!
Please always be alert and arrive safely and soundly!
your police