Belgian police arrest teen suspect in scam targeting elderly with landlines

Lier police have arrested an 18-year-old suspect in connection with a scam targeting elderly residents. The young man was apprehended near the home of an 80-year-old couple he allegedly intended to defraud by collecting their bank cards, codes, and gold following fake phone calls impersonating bank officials.

The incident began when an 86-year-old man alerted the police after receiving three suspicious calls. The callers, claiming to be from his bank, insurance company, and the police, warned him of fraudulent activity on his account. They instructed him to prepare his bank cards, codes, and any gold or jewelry for collection.

Police patrols in the vicinity of the couple's home noticed the 18-year-old, who had been dropped off by a taxi. His inability to provide a clear explanation for his presence and his contradictory statements led to his detention. He is suspected of attempting to collect the bank details and valuables from the elderly couple.

Authorities are issuing a warning, particularly to older individuals with landline telephones, as they are frequently targeted. "Scammers often target them," stated Karen Vervoort of the Lier police. "Real officers, insurers, bank employees, or card stop services will never come to your home to collect cards and codes." The police urge the public to warn elderly relatives and neighbors, as their personal information, including landline numbers, may be circulating on outdated lists.

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We roepen iedereen op om ouders, grootouders of oudere buren zonder gsm hiervoor te waarschuwen. Hun namen, adressen en vaste telefoonnummers circuleren vaak op basis van oude lijsten