Criminals demand issuance of a debit card illegally

Fraudster Targets Elderly Woman in Zülpich, Police Issue Warning

In a chilling reminder of the ongoing threats of phone scams, an elderly woman from Zülpich fell victim to a fraudster on Monday, August 18th. According to a police report from Zülpich, issued on August 19, 2025, the man who appeared at the older woman’s place in Zülpich at 1 p.m. and took her debit card was an unknown fraudster.

The incident began with a call from unknown scammers posing as bank employees. The scammers claimed the woman’s debit card needed collection due to alleged fraudulent activities. However, it's essential to note that banks or savings banks never collect cards or cash from customers.

The police advise against engaging with unknown individuals who contact you over the phone with suspicious requests. They urge residents to be vigilant and not to give their debit cards to unknown individuals. Furthermore, they advise against following the instructions of unknown individuals who claim to be bank employees.

In this case, the woman confided in a family member about the incident. Once alerted, the police were notified, and the woman's debit card was subsequently blocked. The action of blocking the card prevented any financial loss.

The police also advise against providing personal or financial information over the phone to unknown individuals. They recommend that if you have any doubts, you should end the call immediately. Do not let yourself be pressured into anything over the phone. Instead, contact your bank or the police using the numbers you have on file.

The police further advise against making decisions based on pressure or urgency over the phone from unknown individuals. They stress the importance of taking your time to verify the authenticity of the caller before sharing any sensitive information.

This incident serves as a stark reminder to stay vigilant against phone scams. Always remember, banks will never ask for your card or pin over the phone. If you encounter any suspicious calls, immediately report them to the police and your bank. Let's ensure our community remains safe from such fraudulent activities.