Dutch police appeal to public to identify 79 fraud suspects in nationwide crackdown
Dutch police urge citizens to help identify 79 suspects in a major fraud investigation targeting fake police officers and bank helpdesk scams. Elderly victims have lost trust and savings—your tip could stop these crimes and protect vulnerable neighbors.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspects remaining | 79 (21 already identified) |
| Campaign start date | March 9, 2026 |
| Targeted crimes | Fake police officers, bank helpdesk fraud, F-Game scams |
| Victims | Primarily elderly citizens |
| Recognition platform | politie.nl/gameover |
| Tip line | 0800-6070 (free) or 0800-7000 (anonymous) |
| Self-reporting | politie.nl/zelfmelden |
The National Investigation Communication Team of the Dutch police leads this campaign to combat fraud targeting vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly. The Public Prosecution Service oversees legal procedures, ensuring suspects’ images are published only after individual case assessments.
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Read the full translated article below
Now recognizable: 79 Game Over?! suspects everywhere
Who are the 79 remaining suspects in the Game Over?! investigation? Everyone can help answer that question—they are now recognizable and visible on politie.nl, social media, digital billboards, and television. Game Over?! focuses on tackling fake police officers and bank helpdesk fraud. “The campaign is so effective that some investigators have had to work overtime in recent weeks,” says Daan Annegarn of the National Investigation Communication Team of the police. “You can really see something happening in society. 21 suspects have already turned themselves in or been recognized by others. And we’ve only just begun.”
With Game Over?!, the police launched a crackdown on fake police officers and bank helpdesk fraud on March 9. In recent years, thousands of people—particularly the elderly—have fallen victim to these fraudsters. They were typically contacted by phone with frightening stories about suspicious bank transfers or burglars targeting them. The scammers would then visit the victims, supposedly to collect debit cards and valuables for safekeeping, but in reality, they were robbing the frightened victims at that moment.
Fraud as a game
In these scams, suspects often refer to the F-Game, a fraud game. But defrauding and committing fraud are no games—they are serious crimes. Fraudulent practices have a massive impact on victims, often older individuals, eroding their trust in others and institutions. Many victims, out of shame, do not file police reports. The campaign targets the fraudsters who show up at victims’ homes or withdraw money using stolen bank cards; their faces are often captured by doorbell or security cameras.
Recognitions
Thanks to Game Over?!, 21 suspects have now been identified. “That’s good news,” says public prosecutor Ernst Pols, the national portfolio holder for investigation reporting. “At the same time, 79 suspects have not yet come forward, so we are continuing our efforts. We are now showing their faces unblurred and recognizable. This is possible because each case has been individually reviewed and assessed by a public prosecutor. These are serious matters, and we want to know who is behind these crimes.”
Faces
“The time has come for all of us to stand up for the thousands of victims and report the names of suspects,” says coordinator Daan Annegarn of the National Investigation Communication Team. “What’s great about this campaign is that everyone can help. I’d say: do it for your parents, do it for your grandparents, do it for each other, and let us know if you recognize someone.” The national investigation communication team is overwhelmed by the massive support for the campaign. “We see this not only through the tipsters who are actively contributing but also in companies that are offering digital screens for the campaign free of charge. This is truly an effort by all of us, saying: it has to stop. Leave our vulnerable elderly in peace. We won’t accept this! If you’re involved in these scams, we will find you.”
Tips
Reporting suspects’ names is easy. All cases can be found at www.politie.nl/gameover. Each case has its own online tip form. Police officers are also available by phone to take tips. The free investigation tip line is 0800-6070. Anonymous reports can be made via Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800-7000. Suspects can still turn themselves in at www.politie.nl/zelfmelden. After each recognition, the recognizable photo of the suspect is taken offline.
About Game Over?!
Game Over?! is an initiative of the National Investigation Communication Team, part of the Police Service Center, in collaboration with the national digital crime program and the Public Prosecution Service. The display of suspect images in this campaign is conducted within the framework of the Investigation Reporting Guidelines. For each suspect, separate permission has been granted by the relevant regional Public Prosecution Service for the use of surveillance footage. Therefore, the original footage is not released. Media are responsible for their own use of images in accordance with the principles of free press coverage.