New Scam Calls: Fraudsters Now Pose as Hospital Staff

"Victims are informed by supposed hospital staff that a related child has been admitted to a hospital and that a cash fee for medication is required for medical care," said the Salzburg State Police Directorate on Monday evening: "Caution - this is an attempt at fraud!"

In other cases, the callers pose as doctors and pretend that close relatives of the potential victims have cancer. Large sums of money for medication for immediate treatment are demanded. The damage caused nationwide amounts to a mid-six-figure euro amount. The Federal Criminal Police Office has issued a nationwide warning in Austria.

Police warn of fraudulent calls from alleged hospital staff

Typically, the supposed doctors call from local landline numbers. The handover of money for an allegedly vital and immediate treatment is then supposed to take place at an agreed meeting point or directly at the victim's home address.

The investigators advise: "End such phone calls immediately. Do not engage in any discussions and make it clear to the caller that you will not comply with any of the demands or offers. Talk to relatives about it. Do not hand over cash or valuables to anyone in this context. Do not let anyone into your house or apartment whom you do not know. Use the intercom for contact or use the door security chain or security bar. If you receive such a call, report it to the nearest police station."

Inform older people about new fraud scheme

The public is urged to inform relatives or known older people about this type of fraud and to inform them about the correct procedure. The specialists in crime prevention at the Salzburg State Criminal Police Office are available for consultation at the phone number 059133/50-3333 or via email at LPD-S-LKA-Kriminalpraevention@polizei.gv.at.

(APA/Red)

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