Fraudsters pose as BSR bulky-waste crews, police warn

Berlin police and the city's waste company BSR are warning residents about a growing scam in which fraudsters pose as BSR crews collecting bulky-waste items (Sperrmüll) at the door. According to a Berliner Zeitung report on 17 October 2026, the scammers ring the bell shortly before or after a legitimate pickup is scheduled, demand a cash payment of several dozen euros for the removal and sometimes make off with the already-prepared furniture — or with the money and nothing else. In other cases, items are simply dumped in a nearby street. Officials stress that genuine BSR workers never collect cash on site, never ask for personal data at the door and arrive with marked vehicles and clear schedules. Residents are advised to pay only through the BSR's official online or phone channels, keep their booking confirmation, and call the police on 110 if they are approached by anyone demanding cash. The scam has been reported mainly in dense inner-city districts in recent weeks.