Warnings Issued by Police Dortmund Regarding Counterfeit Banknotes
Headline: Dortmund Resident Loses Six-Figures in TAN App Scam: Police Warn Against Phone Fraud
In a recent incident, a 70-year-old resident of Dortmund fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam involving his bank account and the TAN app used for online banking[3][6]. The scam took place on August 13, 2025[4].
On the same day, the victim received a letter from his bank regarding an update for the TAN app[4]. Unaware of the letter's authenticity, he answered a call later that day from someone posing as a bank employee[4]. The caller knew the 70-year-old's account details and instructed him to confirm several transactions using the TAN app[4].
The scam involved the use of the TAN app for confirming transactions that were actually money transfers[5]. Scammers often demand quick decisions, contact with strangers, or time urgency[6]. In this case, the scammer's tactics were effective, and by the time the victim realised the call was a scam, the scammers had withdrawn a six-figure sum from his accounts[1].
The Dortmund police are warning against discussing financial or personal circumstances on the phone[2]. They advise educating the elderly about scammer methods and building "defensive strength" to refuse scammers[2]. If unsure about a call, individuals are encouraged to hang up immediately or not take it[2].
To avoid becoming a victim, individuals should verify the identity of callers independently by hanging up and calling the official phone number of their bank or company rather than using phone numbers provided in unsolicited calls or alerts[1][2]. They should also be skeptical of urgent claims requiring immediate transfer of funds or provision of TAN codes or other authentication details[1].
The police also advise against calling phone numbers on pop-up security warnings or emails that claim your computer or accounts are compromised[1][2][5]. Using strong security measures such as two-factor authentication via official apps and notifying your bank immediately upon suspicion of fraud are also essential steps to take[1].
In light of this incident, it is crucial to stay in touch and keep educating the elderly about scams[7]. Family members or trusted individuals should talk to the elderly about scammer methods[7]. Reporting suspicious calls to the police at 110, whether or not harm has occurred, is also essential[2].
Phone scams involving bank accounts and TAN apps are quite common and have increased significantly, especially targeting older adults with impersonation tactics designed to steal large sums of money[1][5]. These scams often begin with fake security alerts or spoofed calls where scammers impersonate bank representatives or government officials to create urgency, then persuade victims to share TAN codes or transfer funds for “protection” purposes[1][2][5].
[1] Dortmund Police Department [2] German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority [3] Bundesverband der Verbraucherzentralen e.V. [4] Local News Dortmund [5] Consumer Protection North Rhine-Westphalia [6] Fraud Awareness Network [7] Age UK
- In light of the six-figure loss due to the TAN app scam in Dortmund, it's essential to be cautious about general-news and finance matters, especially when discussing them over the phone.
- As the crime-and-justice sector continues to see an increase in phone scams targeting bank accounts and TAN apps, it's crucial to prioritize employing strong and defensive measures to protect oneself, particularly the elderly, from such fraudulent activities.
