Shock calls and fake police: why 110 on your screen proves nothing

The phone rings and the screen shows 110 or your bank’s number. Someone on the line reports an accident, a burglary spree or an endangered account and wants you to act at once. According to the police and the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the calls often target older people but can reach anyone. This article shows how the calls run, explains why the displayed number proves nothing, and lists the steps after handing over money or a TAN.

Three calls with the same pattern

The stories differ, the approach is similar. The callers create fear or urgency, keep you on the phone and steer you to a handover or an approval. German Police Crime Prevention describes how victims called on a mobile can be kept on the line until the money is handed over, so that they speak to nobody.

• Shock call. You or a relative supposedly caused a serious accident and can only avoid custody against bail, or an operation is said to be unpaid. According to the police, the callers pose as police officers or other officials.
• Fake police. Money and valuables at home or in the bank are supposedly no longer safe. A plain-clothes officer will collect them and bring them to safety. In 2022 the BKA also warned of calls in the name of the BKA, Europol and Interpol, claiming stolen data was being misused and money must be transferred.
• Fake bank employee. A voice reports suspicious transactions and wants to protect your account. It asks for a TAN or access details, or has you move money to a supposed safe account. BaFin calls this vishing and points out that the bank’s genuine number can appear on the screen.

Why the displayed number proves nothing

Technically, the number that appears for the person called can be replaced with another. This is called caller ID spoofing and is prohibited, but according to the consumer advice centre it is fairly easy with internet telephony. The Federal Network Agency writes that existing or invented numbers are used for this. The screen can therefore show a number from your area code, an authority’s or your bank’s.

For 110 there is a clear statement. According to the Federal Network Agency, there are no calls in which the emergency number lawfully appears as the caller number. The consumer advice centre explains that police emergency call centres call back from the local numbers of the stations, and that no calls can be placed from 110 itself. Since 1 December 2022, providers in Germany have had to cut off calls that show 110 or 112 as the caller.

On the same date the Federal Network Agency ruled that calls from foreign networks may not display German numbers, with an exception for mobile numbers roaming abroad. That reduces fake displays but does not rule them out. Treat the number as a hint and never as proof of identity. The consumer advice centre advises the same.

What police and banks never ask for by phone

• Money or valuables. According to the police and the consumer advice centre, neither the police nor a court, authority or bank asks you by phone to hand over valuables or pay money. The police do not take cash or jewellery into safekeeping.
• Information about your assets. According to the police, questions about accounts, cash or valuables in the house have no place in a genuine call.
• TANs and login details. BaFin writes that banks never request bank details, TANs or login details by phone.
• Transfers to unknown accounts. The consumer advice centre describes demands for transfers to foreign accounts or in cryptocurrency. In its account this marks the calls referring to Europol or Interpol; no authority asks for this.

The guide on fake senders in text messages (SMS fraud with a faked sender) shares one point with the call: the sender can be forged. This article is about the call itself and about what happens after a handover.

What to do while the phone is ringing

1. Hang up.

   Even if the caller insists. For shock calls the police recommend hanging up at once and then collecting your thoughts.

2. Call back yourself.

   Relatives on the number you know. The police via 110 or a number you look up yourself. The bank via the number on your card or statement. Do not use the redial button, the BKA advises.

3. Hand over nothing.

   No information about family or assets, no TAN, no approval in the banking app, no money and no valuables to strangers.

4. Talk to others.

   The police recommend a family code word and short phone book entries without first names, so the callers learn less about you.

If a number has called you and you want to place it, enter it at Check a phone number. We show you whether reports or anomalies exist for it. An unremarkable result is no guarantee, because faked numbers change and often belong to someone else.

If you have already handed over money or a TAN

Act in this order, even if it feels embarrassing. The callers work with shame and silence, and the police know these cases.

1. Bank and blocking hotline.

   Call your bank on a known number or dial 116 116. The blocking hotline is available every day around the clock and blocks girocards, credit cards and online banking. Have your IBAN or account number ready.

2. Police.

   File a report with the police, and for cash or valuables call 110 at once. The routes by state are under Where to report it.

3. Secure evidence.

   Call log with time and number, statements and messages. How to do it is under Already paid?.

4. Report the number.

   The Federal Network Agency accepts complaints about manipulated numbers. It asks for a quick report because traffic data are usually kept for only seven days. It is not responsible for criminal prosecution.

What the law says about payments

If money was debited without your consent, the bank must refund the amount without delay under Section 675u of the German Civil Code, at the latest by the end of the business day after your report. Under Section 675v it may charge up to 50 euros for misuse. In cases of intent or gross negligence you are liable for the whole loss. The law requires you to inform the bank without delay. Under Section 676b, claims lapse if you do not inform it within 13 months of the debit at the latest.

If you triggered the transfer or the approval yourself, the question of consent is harder, and the bank may point to your involvement. That depends on the individual case, and a consumer advice centre can assess it. The rules govern payments made through a bank. For cash and valuables you handed over, they contain no right to a refund, so the police report is what counts. More on what to do after a transfer is under Already paid?. This section is not legal advice.