Callers deliberately build up pressure
The callers often appear professional and trustworthy. They pretend to be working as part of the care advice service and offer supposed support with applications or benefit checks. They deliberately build up pressure and push for quick decisions. Sometimes they also try to arrange home visits at short notice - apparently with the aim of gaining direct access to the home.
Care support centers provide advice free of charge
The care support centers expressly point out that they do not make unannounced telephone calls to request personal data or conclude contracts. The care support centers advise citizens free of charge and act exclusively on the initiative of those seeking advice. Home visits are only made on express request and after prior, transparent appointments have been made. Staff at the care support centers never ask people to enter into fee-based contracts with them. "Care support centers provide independent and free advice on all aspects of care. They are available to citizens as a reliable point of contact - without pressure, without hidden costs, always transparent and in compliance with data protection regulations," explains Heike Dierbach, Head of the Department of Social Affairs, Nursing and Care.
Recommendations on how to react
To protect yourself from fraud, the office of the care support centers recommends the following reactions: Do not give any information about personal or financial circumstances to callers you do not know; in addition, do not allow yourself to be put under pressure and end the call if anything seems unusual; strictly refuse home visits and do not pass on your address unless you have called the care support center yourself and asked for a home visit; if in doubt, contact the Ludwigsburg district care support center yourself on Tel. 07141 144-2465 (Ludwigsburg District Office) or Tel. 07141 910-3123 (City of Ludwigsburg) or Tel. 07142 74-761 (City of Bietigheim-Bissingen); especially elderly relatives or neighbors in need of care should be made aware of this scam.
Those affected should contact the police
Anyone who has received such a call or is already affected should contact the police and inform the relevant care support center.
