Scammers steal cash and gold from 78-year-old in Kufstein

A 78-year-old woman in Kufstein handed over several thousand euros and gold jewellery to fraudsters who claimed her grandson had been involved in a fatal accident, ORF reported.

The woman received a call on her landline at about 1.30pm on Tuesday. The caller said her grandson had caused an accident involving an e-scooter in which a woman had died, and demanded money and valuables.

After several lengthy calls, the woman gathered a low four-figure sum in euros and gold jewellery. She was told to hand them over near the district court in Georg Pirmoser Street, supposedly so the money could be given to the court immediately. The exchange took place between 3.15pm and 3.30pm in a short-term parking zone opposite the court.

The woman remained on the phone with the fraudster during the handover. A second man collected the valuables and left on foot towards Stadtberg. The fraud came to light after she contacted her son at about 3.30pm. Police launched a search, but it had not led to an arrest.

Police described the courier as a slim man about 170 to 175 centimetres tall, with short dark hair and a small moustache. He was described as having a Mediterranean appearance and wearing a beige or light-brown quilted jacket and dark trousers. Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Kufstein Police Station on 059133-7210.