Antwerp police statements for scammers with ‘sad ve… (Antwerp)
The Antwerp police are in talks for scammers who have struck in the city in recent weeks. They ring the doorbell at their home with a sad story and ask for money or to change money. “Never give money just like that,” advises police spokesman Wouter Bruyns.
Neat Loots
“A month ago, a family – a couple with a child – rang the doorbell of an 82-year-old victim,” says Wouter Bruyns, spokesperson for the Antwerp police zone. “The family asked for money to pay the electricity and gas bills and to care for a sick child.” A few days later, another woman rang the doorbell with the same story. The victim gave the scammers a total of almost 650 euros.
“On November 6, two women asked an 80-year-old to use her toilet,” Bruyns continues. “Once inside, they started a realistic story about an eviction. The victim took pity and gave one of them her bank card and PIN code. In total, more than 13,000 euros has been withdrawn from her account.”
That same day, someone rang the doorbell of an elderly man posing as a Red Cross employee. He also asked about the possibility of going to the toilet. Fortunately, the suspect was unable to get anything.
The police determine that the scammers are not necessarily dressed shabbily. At two places in Deurne and an address in Wilrijk, the elderly were accosted by a neat man with a well-groomed appearance. When the two came home, the sudden change of money and offered to help with the groceries. Once inside, he ran off with the money.
Never just give money
The police suspect that there are two of three perpetrator groups. “The investigations are ongoing,” says Bruyns. “To get a good picture of the perpetrators, their field of activity and their way of reporting to the police.”
The police especially the elderly for this type of scam. “Don’t just accept a request from strangers to give money. If you receive strangers who ask for money, do not give the opportunity to enter your home. Then call the emergency number 101 immediately.”