Since Sunday, 17 August, residents in Kruisem have reported receiving suspicious phone calls impersonating officials from the local police. These calls, falsely claiming to be from the ‘Politiezone Oudenaarde’, warned of attempted burglaries and asked questions about home security. This alarming trend has caused concern among the community, prompting timely police warnings.
- Politiezone Vlaamse Ardennen ontvangt meldingen van oplichters
- Oudere inwoners krijgen valse telefoontjes over inbraak
- Verbreek verdachte gesprekken en vertrouw intuïtie
- Controleer altijd echtheid via 055/33 88 88
- Bel 101 bij verdachte personen of voertuigen
- Deel veiligheidsinformatie met familie en buren
By 2025-08-18 20:18:00, the Politiezone Vlaamse Ardennen had already received multiple reports from worried elderly citizens. Fortunately, many residents trusted their instincts and ended these suspicious conversations before sharing any sensitive information. But how can you protect yourself from such scams?
Knowing what to do when faced with a suspicious call or sighting can make all the difference in keeping your neighbourhood safe. Let’s explore practical steps you can take to stay vigilant and secure.
Why do these scams target older people, and how can communities respond effectively? Awareness and quick action are key. Consider these points:
- Never share personal or security details over the phone with unverified callers.
- Always confirm the caller’s identity by contacting your local police directly.
- Report suspicious vehicles or persons immediately using emergency number 101.
- Spread the word among family, friends, and especially elderly neighbours.
Staying informed and cautious is crucial as these incidents continue. Share this information widely and encourage your community to remain alert. Together, we can prevent fraud and protect our neighbourhoods from harm.