Elderly Woman in Mechelen Loses €17,500 to ‘Shouldersurfing’ Scam

An 80-year-old woman from Mechelen, Belgium, was recently defrauded of €17,500 after falling victim to a “shouldersurfing” scam whereas shopping in Zemst. The incident, which occurred on Friday, has prompted a police investigation by the Rivierenland zone.

How the Scam Unfolded

According to reports, the thieves targeted the woman in a Zemst supermarket. They allegedly observed her entering her PIN code at the checkout by looking over her shoulder. Following this, her bank cards were stolen, and a total of €17,500 was subsequently withdrawn and transferred from her account VRT News.

The victim reported noticing three individuals closely observing her while in the store. At the cash register, confusion was deliberately created to distract her while her PIN was compromised. On the parking lot, she was then distracted with fabricated car trouble while a companion stole her handbag from the vehicle.

Police Investigation and Warnings

The police zone Rivierenland has initiated an investigation and forwarded the case to the Halle-Vilvoorde public prosecutor’s office GVA. Authorities are urging the public to be vigilant against “shouldersurfing,” a tactic where thieves perform in teams to distract victims and steal their PIN codes.

What is ‘Shouldersurfing’?

“Shouldersurfing” is a type of fraud where criminals observe individuals entering their PINs or passwords in public places. They then use this information to steal funds or access accounts. It often involves a distraction technique to ensure the victim is unaware they are being watched.

Protecting Yourself from ‘Shouldersurfing’

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to who is around you when using your bank card.
• Shield the PIN Pad: Use your hand or body to block the view of anyone who might be trying to look over your shoulder.
• Check Your Accounts Regularly: Monitor your bank statements and online accounts for any unauthorized transactions.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Immediately report any suspected fraud to your bank and the police.

Woonmaatschappij Rivierenland, a local housing association, is not directly involved in the incident but serves the Mechelen-Willebroek area Woonland.