On March 9, a resident of Sassenheim was called by a person posing as a bank employee. During an extensive phone conversation, this suspect managed to gain the victims trust and convince them that there were problems with their credit card. The bank employee would help them with that and check the necessary things. Since the victim was also misled into thinking it was necessary to transfer money and click on certain links, a sum of 5800 euros was taken from them. The victim had made payments to an online store via the links.
After investigation, the identity of the suspect, who went to pick up the ordered goods in the store, was established, after which a public prosecutor granted permission to arrest the man outside of flagrant offense. He was arrested in Amsterdam on Tuesday, March 25. After questioning, he was released but remains a suspect in the case.
Fraudsters Take Their Time
Fraudsters really take the time to gain the trust of the intended victim. They call people and, for example, say that there has supposedly been a suspicious transaction, but that the bank will of course help the victim. Such a phone call can sometimes last for hours, during which the fraudsters manage to win the trust of the people. For instance, with a story that burglars know where someone lives, they try to scare the victim.
Warn the Elderly
Everyone can help make it as difficult as possible for fraudsters. Tell your parents, grandparents, or older neighbors that there are regularly trick scams taking place. And that it is not rude at all to hang up or not let strangers in. Especially not if they feel that something is wrong. Advise them to also call the police immediately in that case.
Prevention Tips
On the police website, there is a special theme page about trick scams, how to prevent them, and what to do if you unexpectedly become a victim. With this, the police aims to make people more alert to the risks that can lead to theft via trick scams. Additionally, the page contains tips to help the elderly increase their own safety. The page can be found via this link: https://www.politie.nl/onderwerpen/babbeltruc.html