Fake police officers, supposed tradesmen, false promises of winnings or grandchildren scams - it is precisely these scams that are often used to commit crimes against older people. The perpetrators specifically target senior citizens and exploit their trust in the police, public officials or professional clothing. In their dealings, these criminals rely on great time pressure and shamelessly exploit the resulting insecurity to enrich themselves.

The victims are often traumatized by these fatal experiences. In many cases, the victims only talk about the incident weeks later or report it to the police.

The Salzgitter senior citizens and care support center and the Salzgitter/Peine/Wolfenbüttel police department took this important topic as an opportunity to publish a joint information flyer entitled "Druschschaut! How to protect yourself from trickery/theft". It provides brief, concise and clear information for senior citizens, relatives, carers and other contacts on what to look out for and where to get help and further advice.

Manuela Lehrke from the Senior Citizens and Care Support Center says: "Together with the police, it is important to us to inform older people about these scam tactics and also to show them simple ways to protect themselves against them." The crime prevention officer of the Salzgitter/Peine/Wolfenbüttel police station, Michael Scharf, adds: "The senior citizens and care support point and our police advice center are happy to provide further information and advice for our senior citizens in Salzgitter."

The information flyer is available on the Salzgitter city website at www.salzgitter.de/senioren (opens in a new tab). It is also available at the two advice centers. Further information is available from the City of Salzgitter's senior citizens and care support center on 05341/839-4434 and from the criminal investigation department of the Salzgitter/PE/WF police station on 05341/1897-109.