Police warn of false winnngs

Police in Hochtaunustreis are warning people about bogus phone calls, claiming to be from one of the lottery companies and telling people that they have won something.

In order to receive their winnings, they are told they have to pay an “administration fee” (“Verwaltungsgebühr”) using a Pay-Safe-Card.  These cards can usually be purchased at petrol stations and some kiosks.

A second phone call follows up to “make sure that data is correct”, at which point the Pay-Safe-Code on the card is asked for.  Once the caller has this code they can use the card credit for their own means.

According to police, in such circumstances there is almost certainly nothing to be won.