Be careful, seniors! New play warns of scams!

Be careful, seniors! New play warns of scams!

The event, which took place on October 25, 2025, strengthens the feeling of security for seniors in Cologne. Under the motto “Crime prevention for seniors”, the ver.di seniors from Cologne, Rheinberg and Oberberg organized an exciting performance as part of the “Cologne Crime Week 2025”. This took place in close cooperation with the Cologne Police Headquarters and dealt intensively with the topic of trick thefts and fraud.

The play “Ruined and Ripped Off” was performed by the senior theater group “Knackfrisch” from Chorweiler. It took the audience into the world of fraudsters, who often work in teams and lure their victims into a trap through pressure and surprise. For example, popular scams such as the “grandchild trick”, “shock calls” and “fake tradesmen” were discussed. It became clear that older people are increasingly becoming the target of criminal activity.

Important information and tips for seniors

As part of the event, there was not only the opportunity to experience the play, but also to ask direct questions to the police. The crime prevention staff were available to give the participants valuable safety tips. The importance of caution and attention in everyday life was particularly emphasized. Information on security of funds has been provided and many banks have set up specific internal training for their employees to support seniors.

Another important point is the many prevention tips that were given to seniors. Anyone looking for information can contact Crime Prevention Cologne directly: by phone on 02201 229-8655 or by email at Krimipraevention.koeln@polizei.nrw.de. Informative materials that were available to take with them also supported the seniors on the topic of safety.

Sustainable impact of the event

The event is not the only opportunity for a sensitive discussion of the topic. The play will continue to be performed at various locations in Cologne in the future. Here are some dates that have already been set:

• 25.03.2026: Oberlandesgericht Köln
• 22.04.2026: Rathaussaal Porz
• 19.05.2026: VHS im Bezirksrathaus Mülheim
• 21.03.2026: Aktionstag Senior*innen im Straßenbahn Museum Thielenbruch

These initiatives not only set an example, but also raise seniors' awareness of the dangers in everyday life. This makes it clear that the safety of older people is taken seriously in Cologne. It remains to be hoped that such prevention events will continue to be popular. If you want to know more about trick theft and fraud, you can also find helpful information at Lokal-stadthelden.de.