Fake Cop Scams Are Running Rampant in the Netherlands: Elderly People Losing Millions!
Did you know that in the Netherlands, scammers are calling daily, pretending to be police officers? And these aren’t just any scammers—they’re targeting the most vulnerable: our grandparents! In the first half of this year alone, there have been about 6,000 such incidents, which is roughly 78% of the total number for the entire last year when there were 8,000 cases. Yes, you read that right—around 35 elderly people fall victim to this terrifying scam every single day!
How does this scam work? The scammers first contact victims by phone or letter, pretending to be police officers. They warn that there have been burglaries in the neighborhood and that the victim could be next. Then, they offer to temporarily “safeguard” valuables like cash, jewelry, or cards to protect them. But instead of protection, they come in person disguised as police officers and take the property!
Police warnings: Real police officers will never call you asking for your PIN codes or to hand over money or cards. The national coordinator for elderly safety, Sibren van der Velden Valda, points out that many victims don’t report the scam out of shame, so the actual number of cases is likely much higher.
What’s being done about it? Because of the serious financial and emotional consequences, and the erosion of trust in institutions, the police have launched a national awareness campaign together with broadcaster Omroep Max. The campaign slogan is: “Fake cop or real? Check the call!” The goal is to better inform elderly people, especially during summer holidays when they are often alone.
Why does this matter? This scam isn’t just a number—it’s real people losing their savings, feeling betrayed and unsafe in their own communities. If you think this happens far away, think again. Scammers are masters of manipulation and target the most trusting.
Bottom line: Be careful, verify every call, and never give out your personal information or money. If you have elderly family members, share this info with them. And if you’ve already been a victim, don’t be ashamed—report it! Only together can we stop these shameless scammers.
Now, if you made it this far, drop a comment—have you or someone you know ever dealt with these fake cops? Or maybe you have a hilarious tip on how to spot scammers? Let’s share and have a laugh while learning something new!
