Scammers come across as professional
Scammers often come across as professional and trustworthy. They claim to work in the field of care counseling and offer supposed assistance with applications or benefit reviews. At the same time, they deliberately put pressure on the people they call and push for quick decisions. In some cases, they also try to arrange last-minute home visits—apparently with the goal of gaining access to the home.
Care support centers operate transparently and free of charge
The care support centers explicitly state that they do not make unannounced phone calls to request personal information or to sign contracts. Their advice is independent and free of charge. They act exclusively at the initiative of those seeking advice. Home visits take place only upon explicit request and after a transparent appointment has been made in advance. Staff at the care support centers never urge citizens to sign contracts with them that involve fees.
“Care Support Centers provide independent and free advice on all aspects of care. They serve as a reliable point of contact for citizens—without pressure, without hidden costs, always transparently, and in compliance with data protection regulations,” clarifies Heike Dierbach, Head of the Department of Social Affairs, Care, and Support Services.
Here’s how citizens can protect themselves
Do not disclose any personal or financial information to unknown callers. Those affected should not let themselves be pressured and should end the conversation if anything seems unusual.
Unannounced home visits should be refused, and you should not disclose your address unless you have contacted the Care Support Center yourself and arranged a home visit. If in doubt, contact the Ludwigsburg District Care Support Center directly at 07141 144-2465 (Ludwigsburg District Office) or 07141 910-3123 (City of Ludwigsburg) or 07142 74-761 (City of Bietigheim-Bissingen).
In particular, elderly relatives or those in need of care, as well as neighbors, should be informed about this scam and made aware of the risks.
Anyone who has received such a call or has already been the victim of such a scam should contact the police and notify the relevant care support center.
