This is how the nasty note trick works
Thefts in which the slip of paper was used are becoming known again and again. How does the scam work?
A message from the Berlin police on Twitter: “Over the weekend, a 27-year-old stole a woman’s cell phone in Mitte while he was using the note trick distracted.”
What is the note trick?
Anyone who already knows the trick will think when they hear the message: “Again!” Because the scam has actually been tried and tested by thieves for years and is used nationwide. It is a direct trick at the door of the victim is deducted.
- Someone rings the doorbell. The unsuspecting victim opens it and sees a friendly face.
- The visitor asks for one piece of paper and a pen. He (or she) wants to write a quick note (for a neighbor or a parked car in the street). In truth, no paper and pen is needed at all, it is a distraction. Then …
- … while the victim turns away to get a piece of paper and a pen from the apartment, an accomplice sneaks in (or the visitor himself) quickly through the open door in. Valuables (such as mobile phones) and banknotes are stored inside.
The situation is exacerbated when the visitor is invited into the apartment – and can look around in peace. Older fellow citizens in particular are regularly robbed of their belongings in this way – due to physical limitations (sight), they do not have an overview of the overall situation. The note trick is available in different versions variants. You can ask for a glass of water instead of a piece of paper and a pen. The basis is always the same: the victim’s willingness to help is exploited, the request at the front door initiates a diversionary tactic.
The Police Headquarters West Palatinate recommends: “Despite your willingness to help, do not let strangers into your home. If you want to help, bring a piece of paper, pen, water – or whatever is needed – to the door. But don’t leave the entrance open and unobserved while you fetch what you want.”
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