85-Year-Old Heroine Thwarts Scam Attempt by Impostor Cops in Leuven!

"85-Year-Old Hero Stops Scam by Fake Cops in Leuven!"

An 85-year-old woman almost fell victim to scammers posing as police, but her daughter alerted real authorities, preventing financial loss. She lost only her iPad.

Marie Dupont5 March 2025Last Update : 23 hours ago

Vrouw (85) kan oplichters nét op tijd tegenhouden voor ze haar bankrekening plunderen: “Ze deden zich voor als politieagenten” (Leuven)

www.nieuwsblad.be

An 85-year-old woman in Leuven narrowly escaped a financial disaster on March 5, 2025. Scammers posing as police officers attempted to steal her bank details. How can you protect yourself from similar scams?

5 Key Takeaways

85-year-old woman nearly scammed in Leuven
Scammers posed as police officers
Victim's bank cards and iPad requested
Daughter alerted real police immediately
Woman lost only her iPad to scammers

Fast Answer: An elderly woman in Belgium thwarted scammers impersonating police officers who tried to access her bank accounts. Thanks to her daughter’s quick thinking, she managed to block any potential theft.

How Scammers Target the Elderly: A Growing Concern in Belgium

Scams targeting seniors are on the rise in Belgium and beyond. What can you do to stay safe? The recent incident involving an 85-year-old woman highlights how vulnerable individuals can be tricked into revealing personal information.

Warning! This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the dangers posed by scammers. Protecting your personal information is vital, especially for older adults who may not be as tech-savvy.

Understanding Common Scams: What You Need to Know

The tactics used by scammers often involve creating a sense of urgency or authority. Here’s what happened:

A phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer.
A request for sensitive information under the guise of protecting bank accounts.
An unexpected visit from someone pretending to be a colleague of the caller.
The victim was convinced to hand over personal devices like an iPad and bank cards.

Recognizing Red Flags: How to Spot a Scam

It’s essential to know how to identify potential scams before they happen. Here are some key signs:

If someone asks for sensitive information over the phone, it’s likely a scam.
No legitimate police officer will ask you for your banking details directly.
If you feel pressured or uneasy during a conversation, hang up and verify independently.

Taking Action: Steps You Can Take Immediately

If you suspect that you’ve been targeted by scammers, take these steps right away:

Contact your bank immediately if you’ve shared any personal info.
Report the scam attempt to local authorities or consumer protection agencies.
Inform family members about potential scams so they can help protect themselves and others.

This incident underscores the importance of vigilance against scams that prey on vulnerable populations. Always double-check before sharing any personal information!