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The grandchild trick is a common scam that many older people fall for. This does not apply to Margareta Fischer from Augsburg (D): even at the proud age of 101, she kept a clear head and outsmarted the gang of fraudsters herself, with the help of considerate neighbors – and a bag full of toilet paper. The elderly person has now been honored by the Bavarian state government for her courage, according to a press release.
Last September, Fischer received a call from a woman claiming to be her granddaughter. She claimed to have killed someone in a traffic accident and was now blackmailed by the police with a bail of 80,000 euros. With the presence of mind, the 101-year-old immediately recognized the lie because she had heard of such scams. Instead of letting the criminals escape, she turned the tables.
Senior woman brings toilet paper instead of money
The elderly woman told the caller that she quickly went to the basement to look for money and valuables – while the fraudster remained on the line. In reality, the woman ran to her neighbors and made a plan with them. A neighbor informed police, and another neighbor accompanied Fischer back to her apartment, where she arranged to meet the caller to hand over the money.
At the caller’s request, Fischer left with a cloth bag to a street about 200 meters away. However, the cloth bag was not filled with money or valuables, but with several rolls of toilet paper. Thanks to good cooperation with the neighbors and the police, the officers were able to arrest a 33-year-old accomplice of the caller at the meeting point.
Not only was Fischer able to convict the fraudsters, she also received an award for it. On September 11, Bavarian Minister of the Interior Joachim Hermann presented her with the Courage Medal. According to the state government’s press release, the elderly person is one of 31 people in Bavaria who were honored for their commitment to domestic security. (gs)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
