Suspected fraud network members face trial in Vienna

Several men suspected of belonging to a fraud network are due in court in Vienna on Monday. They are accused of targeting mainly older people last spring and causing losses of about 500,000 euros, ORF reports.

Prosecutors say the men allegedly carried out the scams in Vienna, stealing gold ducats, silver jewellery and large sums of cash. The organisation behind them is based in Turkey and used call centres and technology to display false phone numbers.

Such scams often involve callers pretending that a relative is in danger, for example after an accident abroad or because of a sudden illness. They may then demand money for bail or an operation.

Police advise people to be cautious when unknown callers contact them and to hang up if in doubt. They say people should not disclose details of their assets, let strangers into their homes or hand over money or valuables. Anyone unsure whether a caller is a police officer can call +43 59 133 to be connected with an officer. If someone claims to be an undercover officer, police say people can call the emergency number 133. They also urge people to heed warnings from bank staff.