Police information

As of: November 2024

The fraudsters contact you using a suppressed or technically modified number. For example, the number 030 110. They pretend to be police officers and usually report a robbery or burglary in the neighborhood. They use a clever line of communication to make you believe that your assets are also in danger. The fraudsters are trying to make you feel insecure. 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 send a police officer to your home and take your valuables to a safe place.

Recently, some crimes have resulted in losses of several hundred thousand euros.

Police tips:

• The police will never ask you for money or take your valuables to a safe place.
• Do not give any details about your financial situation on the phone.
• Do not allow yourself to be put under pressure on the phone. Just hang up.
• Never hand over money to unknown persons.

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 encyclopaedia.
Purported representatives are now pretending that there are interested buyers for the collections. In order to complete the purchase now, they have to be entered in sales databases. They charge high "service fees" for this. However, the sales databases do not even exist! No efforts are made to actually sell the books either.

In the past, those affected were often told that they would have to buy missing books to complete the collection. These books were then sold completely overpriced 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 time to think about it!
• Check whether you can revoke any contracts you have signed or contest them on the grounds of usury.
• Never give your debit card and PIN to strangers.
• Contact the police if you have any questions or problems. File a complaint!

As of: October 2024

For example:
The doorbell rings. A workman wants to enter the apartment urgently. He claims there has been a burst water pipe.
Criminal investigators speak to you in the hallway. There has been a break-in in the neighborhood. They have to check your apartment to see if everything is in order.

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

The police generally advise:

• Don't let strangers into your home!
• Never open your front door to strangers! This is not unfriendly, but purely a precautionary measure. Only open your door with the chain on. Look through the peephole. Use the door intercom system.
• Only let tradesmen in who are expecting you. Appointed by yourself or announced in writing by the property management company.
• Ask public 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 residents for help! Ring your neighbors' doorbells, even if you meet strangers in the hallway who want something from you.
• Call loudly for help if you need it!
• Always call 110

As of March 2024

There are many ways to meet new people in the digital world. Scammers try to establish romantic relationships with unsuspecting victims. With fake profiles and false identities. They write empathetic messages. They gain trust . They build up an emotional bond. They take their time. But: At some point, a situation allegedly arises for which the victim is asked for money. This is soon followed by further demands for money.

Find out more about the procedures at polizei-beratung.de.

The police advise:

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

As of August 2023

They use online banking and receive a call. The caller often pretends to be a bank employee. There would be a problem with your account. They would help you and save your money. To do this, you have to give your TAN or confirm your TAN. Or you may be asked to forward a message from your bank. As an e-mail, WhatsApp or text message.

You may also be persuaded to have your computer serviced remotely over the phone. 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:

• Do not engage in such conversations. Just hang up!
• Never give or confirm your TAN to other people. Do not forward any messages.
• Never allow access to your computer on the phone.
• If you do allow access, disconnect immediately. Pull the plug, for example.
• Find out more at the link:Polizei Berlin - Phishing, viruses, Trojans and co.

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 may contain the logo of a bank. You will be asked to click on a link.

Attention: If you click on this link, you will be taken to a fake website. You are asked to enter your bank details there. The fraudsters will read your details as you enter them. Now they can access your account.

The police advise:

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

As of July 2023

Your daughter or son calls you, crying desperately. Your child is at fault for causing a fatal traffic accident with their car. He or she has been arrested by the police. The phone call is then taken over by the police. You are told that your child has been remanded in custody. Unless you help and pay bail.

The course of these calls may vary. But each time it is about a traffic accident caused by fault and a bail payment. This type of call is always a scam!

The police advise:

• Never ask the police for money over the phone. No bail either!
• Do not allow yourself to be put under pressure.
• Check with family members.

As of: July 2023

Bag thieves specifically look for people with bags on shopping carts or walking frames. The perpetrators can be both men and women. They often act in pairs. One person approaches the victim and distracts them. During this time, the second person takes the purse out of the bag unnoticed. Sometimes the entire handbag is stolen.

The police advise:

• Take only the essentials in cash and valuables with you.
• Be careful if you are approached by unknown people.
• Do not leave any valuables hanging on the shopping cart or trolley.
• Carry your valuables as close to your body as possible. Lockable inside jacket pockets, breast pouches and fanny packs are well suited.

Preventing burglaries in apartments and houses can be an important issue for everyone. Burglaries can almost always be prevented. The specialist advisors at the burglary prevention advice center at the Berlin State Criminal Police Office explain how to do this. Free of charge and neutral.

We will be happy to advise you:

• by telephone on (030) 4664 979999
• in writing by email
  If you send us an email, please include your telephone number.
• In the burglary protection advice center without prior appointment
• On-site for single-family homes and apartments in apartment buildings (if the risk of burglary is high due to the location in the building)
  This may be the case for apartments on the first floor, first floor or at the top of the building. Further details can be discussed by calling the service number (030) 4664 979999.

The appointments for on-site advice can be arranged by calling (030) 4664 979999.

The Burglary Protection Advice Center can be found here:
Platz der Luftbrücke 5
12101 Berlin

Opening hours:
Monday 10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday - Thursday 08:00 - 15:00

You, today's 65+ generation, are active and out and about a lot. Be it on foot, by bike or in the car. This promotes health and allows you to actively participate in society.

The current traffic accident situation in our federal state unfortunately shows that accidents involving senior citizens have risen dramatically this year. This means that accidents when crossing the road are becoming more frequent.

This is why it is so important for us to draw attention to the typical dangers in road traffic, especially in the darker months of the year. We give you tips on this. Our aim is to significantly increase your safety on the road and prevent accidents.

Our colleagues carry out campaigns all year round for your safety and the safety of all road users.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you once again of important rules of conduct in road traffic.

• Wear bright and reflective outer clothing that is highly visible, especially in the darker months of the year. This will make you highly visible from a distance. Drivers will be made aware of you as a pedestrian and/or cyclist at an early stage thanks to the reflection.
• As a pedestrian and/or cyclist, ALWAYS use the available crossing options on the road, such as the crosswalk or the pedestrian or bicycle traffic lights.
  The crosswalk is often illuminated and therefore offers safety. Pedestrian/cycle lights regulate the flow of traffic safely. Unfortunately, we are seeing an increasing number of serious accidents when crossing far from appropriate crossing facilities. Take the longer route via a crosswalk or pedestrian traffic light. To cross the road safely
• Ride your bike in traffic, wear a helmet! Even if helmets are not compulsory, wearing a helmet can significantly reduce serious and even fatal injuries.

We, the Berlin police, offer prevention events or advice sessions at various locations throughout the year. External partners and players in road safety work are also involved here.
Take advantage of our events whenever possible!
Please always be attentive and arrive safely!
Your police