Consultation of the Commission on the proposed regulation
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybercrime, one scam continues to pose a significant threat - the Grandparent Scam. This fraudulent scheme, often linked to organized crime networks operating international call centers, has been causing concern, particularly in Germany.
Recent investigations, such as the 2025 FBI investigation led by Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia, have exposed a transnational operation based in the Dominican Republic. This operation, involving multiple call centers, impersonated relatives, lawyers, and other officials to deceive elderly victims into sending large sums of money or withdrawing cash for pickup by collectors [1][4]. The operation demonstrated a hierarchical structure, with multiple managers overseeing call center employees.
Although specific reports on Germany-based Grandparent Scam operations are limited, broader data indicates substantial losses to scams, including those targeting elderly populations. Germany lost approximately €10.6 billion to scams in a 12-month period as of mid-2025, reflecting the large-scale impact of such fraud [3].
While direct evidence of German-based organized crime groups running Grandparent Scams internally is not explicit, the involvement of overseas call centers and transnational crime syndicates suggests that fraudulent activities in Germany are likely influenced by or connected to global organized crime networks exploiting elderly victims via phone or online communications.
The Grandparent Scam operates through a well-oiled machine. Calls originate from "keelers" who aim to persuade victims to hand over money and valuables to the "collectors." The loot from the scams ends up with the leadership abroad. There are also "logisticians" in the gangs who organize vehicles and accommodations for the collectors.
Despite the challenges, law enforcement agencies worldwide, including in the U.S., are actively pursuing these networks, demonstrating the global scope of the problem. The fight against Grandparent Scams is a shared responsibility, and it's crucial for everyone, particularly the elderly, to stay vigilant and informed to protect themselves from falling victim to these scams.
References:
[1] Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). (2025). Transnational Grandparent Scam Operation Disrupted by FBI and Dominican Republic Law Enforcement. Retrieved from https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/transnational-grandparent-scam-operation-disrupted-by-fbi-and-dominican-republic-law-enforcement
[3] Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). (2025). Scam Losses in Germany Reach €10.6 Billion. Retrieved from https://www.bka.de/DE/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2025/2025-06-28-scam-losses-in-germany-reach-106-billion.html
[4] The Washington Post. (2025). How a Dominican Republic Call Center Tricked the Elderly Out of Millions. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/07/01/dominican-republic-call-center-tricked-elderly-out-millions/
- The interconnected nature of the Grandparent Scam reinforces the significance of international cooperation within health-and-wellness, mental-health, and general-news communities, as the shared concern over elder fraud may demand coordinated responses and education to combat this global threat.
- As indicated by the 2025 FBI investigation, the Grandparent Scam's transnational operation comes under the category of crime-and-justice, with multiple countries, including the Dominican Republic, possibly hosting elements of this criminal network exploiting victims for financial gain.
- Alongside the ever-evolving landscape of science and technology, the pervasive issue of the Grandparent Scam underlines the need to prioritize digital literacy in health-and-wellness and general-news initiatives, as understanding online communication tactics can help elderly individuals better protect themselves from becoming victims of such schemes.
