(hd) On Tuesday (29.07.2025) at around 13:00, an alleged police officer called an 81-year-old woman from Bünder. He explained that a neighbor had been robbed. In order to prevent the elderly woman from also becoming a victim of such a crime, the police had to seize her valuables and temporarily take them into official custody. Under the impression of these descriptions, the woman from Bünder put cash, jewelry and other valuables ready for collection. Following the instructions of the fake police officer, she deposited the items outside the front door. They were collected by a stranger at around 4:00 pm. Only after several hours did the victim confide in her neighbors. They informed the real law enforcement authorities. The criminal investigation department took over the investigation into the matter. The Herford district police authority expressly warns against the scam described and gives citizens the following prevention advice:
- The police will never ask you for valuables or sums of money over the phone or ask you to hand them over.
- Do not let strangers into your home. - Ask for identification from alleged officials.
- If you have the slightest doubt, call the authority from which the alleged official comes. Look up the telephone number of the authority yourself. Do not let the alleged official connect you.
- Do not allow yourself to be put under pressure on the phone. Just hang up.
Please send any queries to:
Herford District Police
Press Office Herford
Phone: 05221 888 1250
Email: %20pressestelle.herford [at] polizei.nrw.de (pressestelle[dot]herford[at]polizei[dot]nrw[dot]de)