
Russian-speaking fraudsters are using a new version of the “police officer scam,” specifically targeting Ukrainian citizens in Austria, the police have warned.
According to the Vienna State Police Directorate, the criminals contact potential victims by phone and WhatsApp, urging them to transfer their savings to a fake account at the Austrian National Bank (OeNB).
The scammers, posing as members of a fictitious “Russian division of the Austrian Federal Police,” claim they are investigating a criminal who is allegedly after the victim’s money. To safeguard their assets, victims are told to transfer funds to a supposed “secure collection account.” Those who fall for the scam receive a fake confirmation letter from the OeNB. The fraudsters use untraceable internet connections and spoofed phone numbers, making it challenging to track them down.
Authorities warn that this highly sophisticated scheme could also trick younger victims. Anyone targeted by this scam is urged to contact the police immediately and report the incident. The public is also reminded that Austrian authorities do not communicate in Russian, do not send WhatsApp messages, and do not issue international police warrants or IDs via email. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and contact the police by dialling 133.