Image is for illustration

The informant was called by a man posing as a police officer and immediately realized something was off. Cleverly, he played along, asked someone else to call the police, and kept the fake officer on the line for an hour. The police took position nearby and waited for the fake officer to appear. Two hours later, this was the case. One fake officer was arrested at the informants front door, and three others were arrested in a car nearby. They are four men from Utrecht aged 19, 22, 27, and 33. The observant resident managed to prevent the fake officers from getting away with his belongings.

Investigation

The car and various goods found in it have been seized for investigation. Witnesses are being interviewed and camera footage is being examined for the investigation. The four suspects are currently in custody, and their roles and involvement in the fraud are being investigated.

What can you do against fake police officers?

If you receive a call:

• Hang up immediately if you are called by someone claiming to be from the police asking about valuables such as jewelry or bank details.
• Call the police at 0900-8844 and verify with them if you were actually called by a police officer.
• If you have provided information: do not let anyone in.

If someone is at the door:

• Do not just open the door for someone claiming to be from the police. First, ask for police identification and personnel number.
• A real police officer can always identify themselves with a valid police ID. This is a card with the name, personnel number, and a photo. This ID is made of polycarbonate, just like a drivers license. The police ID also has several visible and invisible security features, making it harder to forge. View an example here. A police officer in civilian clothes must always show their police ID voluntarily.

2025283869 ER