Beware of Fake Police Officer Scams in Groningen
Groningen residents are urged to stay alert as incidents of scammers posing as police officers increase.
The police are alerting residents of Groningen to a growing scam involving criminals posing as police officers. This fraudulent activity has been increasingly reported across various regions in the Netherlands, with a sharp rise in incidents in the Noord-Nederland District.
Scammers often target vulnerable elderly people, contacting them by phone and claiming that burglars are targeting their homes. They then arrange to visit the victim’s home to "safeguard" valuables. These fake officers use convincing tactics, including wearing police-like uniforms and showing fake IDs, to trick residents into handing over jewellery, cash, and other valuables.
Recent Incidents
In January, the police in Oost-Brabant received only five reports of such scams. By May, this number had skyrocketed to 109. The scammers’ success rate is alarmingly high, with 20% of attempts resulting in stolen valuables. This trend has also been observed in areas like Haren, Ten Boer, Wapserveen, Wolvega, and Hoogeveen.
Victims of these scams often suffer more than financial loss. One anonymous victim shared, "It has done a lot to me. A bit of my trust in humanity has been taken away from me and you are very suspicious. It's so bad that you just can't sleep." Such experiences leave lasting emotional scars and heightened suspicion of others.
Police Advice
Local police are urging everyone to be vigilant and to remember that genuine police officers will never ask to collect valuables or money from your home. If you receive such a request, ask the person for their police identification, which includes a police hologram, a photo, and a service number.
What to Do If Approached?
- Call 112 immediately if you are approached by someone claiming to be a police officer and you have doubts about their identity.
- Do not hand over any valuables or money to individuals claiming to be police officers.
- Report all suspicious activities to the police, even if no valuables were handed over. This information can aid in further investigations.
The police are actively investigating these reports by examining camera footage and conducting neighbourhood surveys. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is encouraged to call 0900-8844 or share information anonymously via 0800-7000.