Cybercrime - 100,000 fraud messages on Whatsapp: two arrests
Investigators from Lower Saxony and Hesse have arrested two men who allegedly sent around 100,000 fraudulent messages via the messenger Whatsapp across Germany. The two suspects, aged 19 and 20, were arrested in Frankfurt on Tuesday morning, according to the Osnabrück police, who were involved in the months-long investigation.
Extensive evidence, including cell phones, electronic data carriers and pepper spray guns, was seized during the searches of the two Frankfurt apartments. The police suspect that a dozen members are behind the gang. The investigation is ongoing. The suspects are accused of commercial and gang fraud. They face prison sentences of between one and ten years.
In the scam, the perpetrators pretend to be a family member and refer to the messaging service Whatsapp for further communication. In the course of the chat there, they try to persuade the other party to transfer money by pretending to be in an emergency. The perpetrators use mobile phone numbers that have only been registered for a short time and have been registered to misused or falsified personal details.
Message with photo
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- The investigation into the widespread cybercrime involving fraudulent WhatsApp messages has involved law enforcement agencies not only in Lower Saxony and Hesse, but also in other regions of Germany, highlighting the national scope of the issue.
- The police in Osnabrück, who played a significant role in the months-long investigation, have stated that they believe the gang responsible for the 100,000 fraudulent messages may have more than a dozen members, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to apprehend all involved.
- While the arrests of the two men in Frankfurt were a significant step in addressing the issue, cybercrime is a constant challenge, especially in the digital age, with platforms like WhatsApp becoming a prime target for criminals looking to exploit vulnerable users.
- In light of the increasing importance of online security, authorities in Lower Saxony and elsewhere are encouraging men and women to remain vigilant against cybercrime, offering advice on how to protect themselves and their financial information in the digital world.
- As the case of the WhatsApp fraud scandal continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder that online criminality is a serious threat that requires both individual and collective efforts to combat, with the police and other law enforcement agencies playing a crucial role in ensuring digital safety and upholding the law.
Source: www.stern.de
