A police officer stands at a building entrance. (Symbolic image)
© dpa
The Berlin police are warning of fraudsters who ring doorbells and pretend to be tradespeople or criminal investigators.
The perpetrators primarily targeted senior citizens and were after their money and valuables, according to a statement. It said there had been more cases of theft and fraud in recent weeks.
According to the police, the modus operandi is similar. The fake tradesmen claimed that construction work had caused water damage or contamination of the drinking water. The fake police officers, on the other hand, claimed to be investigating a burglary. Once they are let in, they engage the victims in conversation while accomplices search the apartment.
The police advise never opening the door to strangers. This is not unfriendly, but purely a precautionary measure. The door should only be opened with the chain in place. Craftsmen who have not been ordered by you or announced by the property management should not be let in either. Police officers should be asked to show their ID cards. In an emergency, neighbors should be asked for help or loud calls for help should be made.