A 90-year-old woman from Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe recently fell victim to a scam involving fake roofers. These two men convinced her that her roof was severely damaged, even bringing a cherry picker to make their story more believable. The incident, reported on 2025-08-11 18:36:00, highlights the growing risk of fraud targeting elderly residents in Belgium.
- 90-year-old woman from Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe
- Two men posed as roofing workers
- Scammed woman claiming severe roof damage
- Used a cherry picker to deceive
- Woman paid 30,000 euros scam money
- Neighbor alerted police about fraud
The woman paid €30,000 before a neighbour became suspicious and alerted the police. This case raises important questions about how easily fraudsters can exploit trust and the elderly’s vulnerability. How can Belgian communities better protect their seniors from such scams? What measures should be taken to prevent similar incidents?
Understanding this scam’s impact is crucial for local residents and authorities alike, especially in areas like Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe where elderly populations are significant. Here is a brief overview of the situation and its implications.
Why do such scams succeed so often? It’s often due to a combination of trust, fear, and lack of verification. This case underscores the need for vigilance and community support. Key points to consider include:
- Fraudsters use convincing props like cherry pickers to gain trust.
- Elderly individuals are frequent targets due to perceived vulnerability.
- Neighbours and community members play a vital role in spotting suspicious activity.
- Immediate police involvement can prevent further losses.
Moving forward, how can Belgian communities strengthen their defenses against such fraud? Encouraging open communication, verifying contractor credentials, and reporting suspicious behaviour promptly will be key steps in protecting vulnerable residents.
