Losses from scams targeting older people rose in German state in 2025 despite fewer cases

Losses from scams such as distress calls and fraudsters posing as grandchildren reached €34.1 million in North Rhine-Westphalia in 2025, up from €25.3 million in 2020. Fraud against older people committed from abroad caused a further €7.1 million in losses, up from €6.9 million a year earlier.

The state recorded more than 2,600 offences against older people by perpetrators operating across regions, 11.7% fewer than in 2024. Of the nearly 12,000 offences committed from abroad, 95% were attempts.

The SPD has proposed training and consistent guidelines for bank employees, among other measures.