VIENNA, May 2, 2026 Vienna woman stops police impersonation scam suspect arrested A 62-year-old woman in Vienna foiled a sophisticated fraud attempt by a man posing as a police officer, leading to the arrest of a 26-year-old suspect who arrived to collect her valuables.
The Scam Attempt
The woman received the first calls from the scammer on Friday afternoon, according to police reports. The impersonator claimed she was being targeted by a gang of thieves and instructed her to leave her cash and jewelry in a bag outside her apartment door. The tactic, known as the "police trick," is a common scam where fraudsters exploit trust in law enforcement to steal valuables.
Becoming suspicious during the call, the woman discreetly contacted authorities via SMS using Austria's deaf emergency number (0800 133 133). Her quick thinking allowed police to monitor the situation without alerting the suspect. "She demonstrated remarkable presence of mind by using the text-based emergency service while remaining on the call," a police spokesperson noted.
Police Intervention and Arrest
Officers from the Vienna State Criminal Police Office were deployed to the scene and apprehended the 26-year-old Polish national as he arrived to collect the supposed valuables. The suspect was charged with attempted severe fraud as part of a criminal organization, according to official statements.