Scammed by Phony Cops: "The Guilt Stings"
- by Felix Hutt
- ≈ 5 Mins
Deceptive Officers: The Swindle of Con Artists and the Embarrassment That Follows Later - Deceptive officers in action: Unveiling the swindlers masquerading as law enforcement, followed by the embarrassment and disgrace exposed.
Meet Mrs. Lempa-Kindler, a distinguished economist with a doctorate and a prestigious history at BMW, particularly in the sustainability department. One wouldn't expect her to fall prey to impostors masquerading as law enforcement. But here she is. These impostors are cunning, manipulative, and successful, as they ensnare individuals regardless of their background or intelligence.
About the Subject
Simone Lempa-Kindler, 66, boasts a doctorate in economics and a storied career at BMW spanning the 1990s. When she isn't painting the town with her boogie moves or indulging her sweet tooth with delectable cakes, she's a force to be reckoned with.
So where were you when the call arrived? The call came in at roughly 8:30 PM as I lounged on the couch, engrossed in TV. The number slipped past my notice, and I picked up, confident that it was just a routine call. The man's voice was reassuring: "This is the police." There had been a break-in near me, but the perpetrators were under control, and a list of names from my area was found on one of the captives – my name was on it.
Were you frightened? The autumn chill had set in, and I was alone at home. Yes, I felt uneasy. But my suspicion arose, too, as I yearned to learn where the policeman obtained this information, whether it was true. He informed me that I was being connected to his superior, who spoke fluent Bavarian and further eased my concerns. That I didn't hang up then was my most significant error.
posing as police officers, bilking millions from their targets annually - false police officers inflict grave harm upon their victims. In 2024 alone, the German police investigated close to 4000 cases, resulting in a reported property damage of over 40 million euros. The question remains: why is this ruse so effective? Who pulls the strings behind the scenes? What can an individual do to safeguard themselves from these con artists? For RTL's documentary "To Catch! Hunt for the False Police Officers," investigative journalist Felix Hutt delved deep into the shock calls scandal for months, conversing with investigators, victims, and perpetrators, and joined the police on thrilling raids.
"To Catch! Hunt for the False Police Officers": April 28, 10:35 PM, RTL
What did the supposed superior say? He suggested I rest, promising to contact me the following day. The following morning, he informed me that the perpetrators remained at large. He then inquired: "Would you like to aid the police in their efforts?" Of course, who wouldn't, right? My doubts vanished, and an unspoken pride seized me. He asked about cash stored at home and the amount in my bank account. I mentioned that I seldom kept cash handy but possessed some valuable jewelry and €20,000 in my checking account for stock purchases.
You could've frozen the account. I reminded him of this possibility. He scoffed, advising me to withdraw the funds for safety purposes. I then ventured to the post office and withdrew €19,000. I left €1,000 in the account, as I had planned on investing it in stocks. The phony officer remained on the line, asserting his vigilance over my safety. Upon returning home, he instructed me to hail a taxi, which would take our "protection funds" to the station.
Shouldn't you have questioned the situation by now? I ceased contemplating the oddities at that point, convinced that the level-headed man on the phone was aiding the police in my mind. Even my valuables seemed safe in the custody of the station, tucked away along with the cash.
What transpired next? As promised, a taxi arrived, and the man on the phone insisted I get in. A young driver of Turkish descent was at the wheel, conversing in Turkish over the radio and receiving instructions. I thought nothing of it, and my suspicions vanished. I was supposed to get out a few blocks away and deposit the bag in the car. I felt a sense of relief, ventured out for a walk, and my valuables seemed secure.
How did the scam finally unravel? A few hours later, two fully uniformed officers appeared at my doorstep. "You're here regarding the case, correct?" I queried. "No, we're the genuine police," they stated, and the ground gave way beneath me. Shame washed over me, and I felt foolish and embarrassed. The officers consoled me, stressing that these deceitful tactics ensnare countless people and urged me to seek psychological counseling if needed.
Many victims report that the embarrassment eclipses the monetary loss; some even contemplate suicide. The regret and self-reproaches persist long after the incident. Victims must be encouraged to share their stories to foster a broader understanding of the issue and raise awareness of the con artists. I, too, have shared my ordeal publicly out of a desire to spare others a comparable fate. "Hang up if cops call!" I proclaim, and never entertain their requests without confirming their identity first. Be vigilant and don't allow yourself to be seduced by these cunning deceivers.
- Despite her professional background and intelligence, Simone Lempa-Kindler fell victim to a scam by fraudulent policemen.
- The phony policeman asked Simone to withdraw money from her bank and hand it over to a taxi driver, leading to the loss of €19,000.
- Simone's jewelry and the remaining €1,000 in her account were also supposed to be handed over, but the scam was discovered before she could do so.
- Simone's ordeal serves as a warning to others to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a policeman before providing any personal or financial information.
