In Leuven, an 80-year-old woman fell victim to a sophisticated police impersonation scam on the evening of 2025-06-06 12:11:00. The scammers contacted her by phone, falsely claiming to be police officers warning about attempted thefts from her bank account. This alarming case highlights the growing threat of fraud targeting vulnerable individuals in Belgium.
- Elderly woman targeted by police impersonators
- Scammer used fake identity and service number
- Fraudster accessed computer and stole valuables
- Victim reported theft and blocked bank cards
- Police investigate using ATM surveillance footage
- Authorities warn: never share bank details phone
The attacker, using the name “Patrick Vermeulen,” convinced the victim that three suspects were already arrested, but one was still at large. He arranged for a fake police inspector to visit her, who then gained access to her computer and later took her bank cards, PINs, €900 in cash, and some gold jewelry under the pretense of protecting her assets. When the man failed to return, the victim reported the incident, and the police are now investigating using ATM footage from Leuven.
How can Belgian residents protect themselves from such scams? What steps should you take if contacted by someone claiming to be from the police? These questions are crucial as authorities continue to warn the public.
This incident raises important concerns about the tactics scammers use to gain trust and access personal information. Are we prepared to recognize these red flags? Consider the following points:
- Legitimate police officers never ask for bank cards, PIN codes, or computer access over the phone.
- Always end suspicious calls and contact your local police using official numbers to verify claims.
- Be especially cautious if the caller pressures you to act quickly or offers to send someone to your home.
- Report any fraudulent activity immediately to Card Stop and the police to limit damage.
As fraudsters become more cunning, staying informed and cautious is essential. If you or someone you know receives suspicious calls, remember: trust but verify. Together, we can help protect Belgium’s most vulnerable citizens from these deceitful schemes.
