Jena/Saale-Holzland-Kreis, June 21, 2026 – The Landespolizeiinspektion Jena is currently warning of a massive wave of fraudulent calls by fake bank employees in Jena and the surrounding region. The perpetrators act extremely professionally to obtain sensitive account data or to misuse victims for money laundering.
- Incident: Phone fraud by fake bank employees
- Location: Jena and Saale-Holzland-Kreis
- Method: Phone spoofing (fake numbers), fabricated booking errors
- Perpetrators’ goal: Obtaining TANs, passwords, and account access
- Contact in case of suspicion: 036428 640 (Polizeiinspektion Saale-Holzland) or via email at dsl.pi.saale-holzland@polizei.thueringen.de
The Deceptive Tactics of Phone Fraudsters
The perpetrators use highly sophisticated technical tools to deceive their victims. In so-called „Call ID Spoofing,“ a computer-generated telephone number is displayed on the recipient’s screen that exactly matches the number of the local Sparkasse or another cooperative bank. On the phone, the fraudsters appear extremely eloquent and assertive. They confront those affected with the claim that there have been unauthorized or suspicious debits on their account.
To avert this alleged damage, the perpetrators ask the victims to disclose personal data, passwords, or TAN codes. Once the criminals have obtained this data, they carry out debits independently. In more recent cases, the fraudsters also use the victims’ accounts for money laundering: they transfer illegally obtained money to the victim’s account and then ask them to „reverse“ or forward the amount.
Specific Prevention Tips and Rules of Conduct
The police have issued a series of rules of conduct to effectively protect against this fraud scheme. Since the perpetrators are active almost daily, citizens in Jena and the surrounding area should internalize the following points:
- No sensitive data on the phone: Real bank employees will never ask you for passwords, PINs, or TAN procedures over the phone. Do not disclose such data under any circumstances.
- End the call immediately: Do not get involved in discussions or emotional pressure attempts. If in doubt, simply hang up.
- Initiate a callback: Never use the number shown on the display or the redial button for a callback. Look up the official number of your bank from your documents and dial it yourself.
- No money transfers for strangers: Never transfer back or forward amounts of money that have arrived in your account unsolicited. In such a case, inform your bank and the police immediately.
- Report suspicious activities: If you notice unauthorized account movements, contact your personal bank advisor immediately – preferably directly at the branch.
🛡️ Prevention & Advice: Protection Against Digital Identity Theft
The misuse of telephone numbers and identities in the digital space is steadily increasing. In addition to classic education, the criminal police recommend actively talking about these fraud phenomena in private circles – especially with older relatives. A healthy skepticism regarding unsolicited calls often protects more effectively against financial damage than any security software. Those affected should not remain silent out of shame in the event of damage, but should file a report immediately, as this is the only way investigative authorities can trace the path of the funds.
Source:
LPI-J: Warning about fake bank employees
Transparency Note: This article was automatically created, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.