The two suspects had previously called an 83-year-old woman from Den Helder. They told her that officers would come to her door later that day to collect a bank card. They also asked questions about the presence of jewelry and money in the house. Later that afternoon, the two fake officers came by to collect the items.

The victim hesitated but still handed over her personal belongings, and then immediately sought help. After nearly two hours of searching, the suspects were arrested in Wassenaar.

Report Suspicious Situations Immediately

Be extra alert and report suspicious situations immediately. Please also share the following prevention tips with your parents, grandparents, or others you know may be vulnerable to these criminals.

• Is it a fake officer, or is it okay? Check it via 112.
• The police never call to ask for your PIN code or to find out if you have valuable items in your home.
• The police do not come by to photograph valuable possessions or to collect bank cards, cash, and valuables.
• The police must always be able to show valid police identification. You can ask for this if someone is at your door claiming to be police. The main feature of the ID is the hologram. When you move the card, you will alternately see the police logo or the word police.
• Phone – do you have a scammer on the line? Do not provide any information about PIN codes or valuable items and then call 0900-8844.
• Is there someone at the door you do not trust? Call 112 immediately. The police can catch the scammer in the act.

Always Report

Have you become a victim? Always report it – even attempts at fraud by fake officers. Keep the phone numbers with which the fake officers called you and share these with the police. The more information we have, the better we can stop this.