Fake police officers have various methods. One of the methods they use is to first call a victim. They often have personal information about people such as names and account numbers. This builds trust. Then these criminals scare people and often pressure them. For example, they tell a story that there has been a burglary in the area and that new burglaries are feared. They say that an officer can secure their valuables. If the victim agrees to this offer, someone immediately comes to the door who legitimizes himself as a detective with a fake police ID. Sometimes they wear something that resembles a police uniform.

Heartbreaking Reports
Across the Netherlands, dozens of people have been scammed in a similar manner. Investigative leader of Police Unit Rotterdam Rob den Besten: “We often receive heartbreaking reports. Victims are not only left sad, they no longer trust anyone. Not even us. Moreover, they often feel ashamed, but these criminals are really very cunning. They are ruthless and do not stop. So we started an investigation that led to Rotterdam. This morning we arrested three men aged 20, 21, and 23. One of the men threw his phone out of the window. In vain, because thanks to a drone we could see exactly where the phone was.”
The men are suspected of theft, fraud, computer intrusion, and participation in a criminal organization. They are in custody, which means they may only have contact with their lawyer.

Search
The homes of the suspects have been searched. Several data carriers have been seized. A significant amount of cash and expensive branded clothing have also been confiscated. 

Report Suspicious Situations Immediately
Be extra alert and report suspicious situations immediately. Please also share the following prevention tips with your parents, grandparents, or other people you know may be more 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 or to find out if you have valuable items at home.
• The police do not come by to photograph valuable possessions or to collect PIN cards, cash, and valuables.
• The police must always be able to show a valid police ID. You can ask for this if someone is at the door posing as police. The main feature of the ID is the hologram. If you move the card, you will alternately see the police logo or the word police.
• Phone – do you have a scammer on the phone?  Do not give any information about PINs 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 red-handed.

Always Report
Have you become a victim? “You are not the only one this happens to.  Always report it, even attempts by fake police officers. Keep the phone numbers that the fake officers called you from and share these numbers with the police.” says Den Besten. “The more information we have, the faster we can stop this.”

National Campaign
In early July, the national campaign started in collaboration with Omroep MAX to warn the elderly about fake police officers. We are warning them with a national campaign about these scammers with our slogan: “Is it a fake officer, or is it okay? Check it via 112! See also:
https://www.politie.nl/nieuws/2025/juli/11/00-aantal-incidenten-met-nepagenten-blijft-stijgen-start-landelijke-campagne.html