More than 6,000 fraud cases recorded in Luxembourg

The Luxembourg police investigated a total of 7,185 cases of fraud, identity theft, and abuse of trust in 2024, an increase of almost 4% year-on-year, the force said in its annual report.

That means on average one in every 90 inhabitants was affected by these types of crime last year. Of the investigated cases, just under 6,400 relate to fraud alone.

Even more striking is the 56% rise in embezzlement and abuse of trust cases, with the police investigating 417 such offences last year. The number of identity thefts rose by 9% to a total of 386 cases.

An “Impressive wave”

In their annual report, the police speak of an “impressive wave” of fraud cases in 2024.

Victims were mostly contacted via social networks, phone calls, text messages or emails and tricked by sophisticated perpetrators into transferring large sums of money or disclosing sensitive access data.

“This is a serious risk factor that will continue to concern us in the future,” said Kristin Schmit, central director of the criminal Investigation department. “Our urgent appeal to citizens is: if you realise that you have been the victim of fraud and have transferred money, contact the police as soon as possible. We have ways and means to stop transfers if necessary – before the money moves on.”

According to Schmit, the criminal investigation department has mechanisms in place, including in cooperating with the financial crime unit (Cellule de renseignement financier), which enabled several million-euro transfers to be blocked last year.

There is also some positive news: a large-scale investigation into several hundred cases of so-called Luxtrust fraud has led to the identification of 16 suspects. They belong to an international network and are said to have caused damage totalling over €3.5 million.

Click – transfer – lose

Thierry Fehr, director of the administrative police, is also convinced that the number of cases of fraud, extortion and deception will continue to increase. “This type of crime is comparatively easy for the perpetrators. They send tens of thousands of emails or text messages, use phishing methods – and wait to see who falls for them. Whoever does this has usually already lost,” he said.

“Fraud is a serious risk factor that will continue to concern us in the future,” emphasised the Central Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Kristin Schmit (left), at the police’s annual press conference.  © Photo credit: Chris Karaba

In addition to cybercrime, scams by telephone are also common methods – for example in the form of shock calls, the grandchild trick or other scams. This makes it all the more important to sensitise the population. “People must learn to develop a healthy scepticism towards suspicious messages – and if in doubt, it’s better to ask twice,” Fehr said.

The police provide information material, videos and flyers on the police.lu website and also use social networks to raise awareness. The “Léif Boma, Léiwe Bopa” (dear grandma, dear grandpa) campaign, which is aimed specifically at older people – a particularly vulnerable group – is currently once again in the spotlight.

“Léif Boma, léiwe Bopa. Loosst iech net beducksen!”

Scams – especially over the telephone or internet – have been on the rise for years and perpetrators are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Whether by email, messenger, social networks or on the phone, the aim is almost always to obtain money or personal data. The police are therefore warning against the following scams.

Typical forms of fraud:

Unexpected messages asking you to disclose your bank details.

Calls from alleged relatives in need who urgently need money.

Tempting offers on social networks – such as for investments or bargain purchases – usually combined with a request for a quick bank transfer.

What you should do:

Do not allow yourself to be pressurised if someone asks for money, valuables or a deposit.

Never disclose personal information or bank details if you are contacted by email, text message or messenger.

Never click on links in messages from unknown senders.

If in doubt, contact the bank, company or authority directly to verify the authenticity of the message.

In an emergency:

(This article was originally published by the Luxemburger Wort. Translation and adaptation by Lucrezia Reale.)