Safety for Older People in Austria: Scams and Home Emergency Call Systems

Older people are often targeted by scammers who assume they are forgetful, easily frightened or lonely. The good news is that the methods are usually similar, and knowing the typical tricks can make it much harder for criminals to succeed. This guide explains common scams and how a home emergency call system (Hausnotrufsystem) works.

In brief

• Police: 133; general emergency number: 112; ambulance: 144; fire service: 122. These numbers can also be called without a SIM card or from a prepaid phone with no remaining credit.
• The grandchild scam (Enkeltrick) and fake police officers (falsche Polizisten) aim to obtain cash and valuables through intense pressure.
• Do not let strangers into your home and do not hand them money or valuables.
• A Hausnotruf can alert help with one press of a button, even if you can no longer speak.
• For violence against older people, a free and confidential advice line is available at +43 699 11200099.

How does the grandchild scam work?

The scammer usually calls an older person who lives alone and pretends to be a relative. Instead of giving their name, they ask the person to guess who is speaking, such as “Can you guess who this is?”. They then adopt one of the names mentioned by the person who answered.

The caller next claims to have an emergency and says that money is needed quickly, promising to repay it soon. A “messenger” comes to collect the money. If there is not enough cash at home, the victim may be pressured to go to the bank immediately. Emotional blackmail is also common, for example: “I have helped you so many times.”

Some people have lost their entire life savings in this way.

What should you do?

• Do not guess names. Ask the caller to say who they are.
• Ask a question that only the real person should know.
• The safest option is to hang up and call the relative back using a number you already know.
• If you have already promised to help but become suspicious, call 133 or 112. You can find out what to do, and the police may be able to intervene when the money is handed over.

Fake police officers and officials

These scammers claim to be police officers or criminal investigators (Kriminalbeamter). They say that your money or valuables must be “confiscated” or “placed somewhere safe”. They may also claim that a relative has caused an accident or is in trouble and that bail (Kaution) is required.

Say that now is not a convenient time and offer to call back. A genuine official will understand, while a scammer will increase the pressure and try to prevent you from ending the call. If the call concerns a relative, hang up and contact that person directly.

Doorstep tricks

A common method is for someone to ask for a glass of water, a pen, small change or help with a health problem. While you are helping, accomplices may search the home. Be careful with anyone who claims to be a neighbour and wants to use your telephone because they have locked themselves out.

• Look through the peephole (Türspion) first or use the intercom.
• Open the door only with the security chain (Sicherheitskette) in place. You can still pass a small item through the opening.
• If someone claims to be unwell, offer to call an ambulance (144) or the police, but do not let anyone inside.
• If a “neighbour” is locked out, call a locksmith (Schlüsseldienst) yourself.
• Try to remember the offenders’ appearance, speech and clothing.

If scammers have already entered the home and find no money, they may even use violence.

Prize notifications, promotional trips and door-to-door sales

An unexpected prize notification (Gewinnbenachrichtigung) may be designed to obtain your personal details, bank account number, signature or money. The telephone number provided may be a premium-rate number (Mehrwertnummer), and money may be withdrawn from the account details you provide.

Promotional trips (Werbefahrt, “Kaffeefahrt”) attract people with a free lunch. During the presentation, trained salespeople manipulate participants, while the products are often poor quality and overpriced. It is best to stay away.

Special cancellation rights apply to contracts concluded outside a business, including at a promotional trip, on the street or at your front door. The Verein für Konsumenteninformation (VKI) provides advice on this issue.

Safety at the bank and in public

• Large cash withdrawal: Ask a trusted person to accompany you.
• Bank counter: Other people should remain behind the discretion line (yellow line).
• Very large amount: Ask to make the payment in a separate room.
• ATM: Do not accept help from strangers and never give your PIN to anyone.
• Card and PIN: Always store them separately.
• Robbery: Shout “Feuer!” and hand over what is requested. Your life is more important.

How does a home emergency call system (Hausnotruf) work?

The system is usually an additional device connected to a landline telephone and activated using a radio button worn as a bracelet or necklace. When the button is pressed, the service centre receives your name, address and any recorded medical conditions. The operator speaks with you and then contacts relatives or sends assistance. If you cannot speak, someone will still be sent to your address.

Some systems also monitor activity. You may have to press a button regularly; if you fail to do so, the centre will contact you. Solutions are also available in many places without a landline.

Providers include organisations and companies such as Rotes Kreuz, Caritas, Hilfswerk, Volkshilfe, Johanniter and ASBÖ. This is not a recommendation; it is worth asking several providers about the costs. Possible accessories include a fall detector, key safe (Schlüsselsafe) and an emergency call watch with location tracking.

Important: After a landline telephone is digitalised, an emergency call system may not work correctly. It must therefore be tested after the changeover.

Frequently asked questions

Is police safety advice free?

Yes. Free police advice on protecting your home is available. Information can be obtained from the service number 059133.

What should I do if I have already been scammed?

Notify the police by calling 133 or 112, file a report (Anzeige) and speak to someone you trust.

Where can I seek help about violence against older people?

The Pro Senectute Österreich advice line, +43 699 11200099, is free and confidential. Affected people, witnesses and carers can all call.

How much does Hausnotruf cost?

No price is specified. Contact providers directly to ask about the costs.

Practical steps

1. Keep the emergency numbers 133, 112, 144 and 122 somewhere easy to find.
2. Agree with relatives that urgent requests for money will always be checked by calling them back on a known number.
3. Keep doors locked and use the Türspion, intercom and Sicherheitskette before opening.
4. Never share your PIN, bank details or valuables with an unexpected caller.
5. Ask several Hausnotruf providers about suitable equipment and costs.
6. Test the system after any landline digitalisation and consider accessories such as a fall detector or Schlüsselsafe.
7. If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 133 or the general emergency number 112.