Fraudsters steal over 118,000 euros from Rostock doctor's offices and pharmacies

Using QR codes and fake bank letters, fraudsters have defrauded doctors' offices and pharmacies in Rostock of large amounts of money. According to the police, the perpetrators caused damage of more than 118,000 euros in the cases known to date within just a few weeks. Between September 4th and 23rd alone, doctor's offices in Rostock reported four cases. According to the information, the suspects stole between 17,000 and 48,600 euros each.

Initially, the practices or pharmacies received mail, apparently from their bank. A listed QR code leads to a fake bank website that looks deceptively real. A little later there was a call. The fraudsters pose as bank employees and claim, for example, that they have noticed suspicious account movements, that they need to check something or reverse a payment.

The victims would be tricked into releasing payment transactions via TAN app. This allows the perpetrators to initiate transfers to the detriment of the injured parties.

Fraudsters are noticeably well informed

It is noticeable that the fraudsters sometimes have detailed information about their victims' banking transactions. You may also know the names of the responsible bank advisors. Even the bank's actual telephone number is regularly displayed on the phone display.

The police warn you to pay attention. You shouldn't allow yourself to be put under pressure. “If in doubt, end the phone call and contact your bank yourself using a phone number you already know.” QR codes from unexpected bank letters should not be scanned hastily and access data, TANs or payment approvals should not be passed on to supposed bank employees or confirmed upon their request. If there is any suspicion, the bank and the police should be informed quickly.