Dutch Police Identify 79 Suspects in Fraudulent Agent and Helpdesk Schemes

Dutch police are seeking the public’s help in identifying 79 individuals suspected of involvement in fraud schemes impersonating agents or helpdesk employees. The suspects were initially given two weeks to come forward, but failed to do so, leading to the public release of their images.

Rise in Impersonation Fraud

The number of reported incidents where individuals falsely claim to be police officers has significantly increased in recent years. In 2024, there were just over 8,000 such cases, rising to 13,000 in 2025. These scams often target vulnerable elderly individuals, causing significant emotional and financial harm.

Brabant Province Cases

Ten of the identified suspects are linked to cases within the Brabant province. Details of these cases include:

• Best: An 87-year-old woman was tricked by a caller claiming to be securing her valuables due to nearby burglaries. She lost all her jewelry and hundreds of euros. A 60-year-old man in Best lost two thousand euros after clicking a phishing link in a text message from his bank.
• Oosterhout: A 91-year-old man lost jewelry and had several hundred euros withdrawn from his bank account using the same tactic as in Best.
• Heesch: An 89-year-old resident lost jewelry, including her wedding ring and a gold chain, and nearly two thousand euros after being visited by fake police officers.
• Eersel: A 69-year-old man had one thousand euros withdrawn from his account after responding to a text message seemingly from ‘My Government’.
• Beek en Donk: A 72-year-old woman was defrauded of her wedding ring and bank card by a fake police officer.
• Boxtel: A 79-year-old man with dementia was kept on the phone for three hours and robbed of five thousand euros.
• Eindhoven: An 80-year-old woman, previously targeted by scammers, was victimized again, with her money used to purchase designer clothing, perfume, and jewelry.
• Geldrop: A couple selling a lamp online were scammed, and their stolen bank card was used for unauthorized purchases in Amersfoort.
• Vught: An 81-year-old resident lost one thousand euros after being misled by a fake police officer before being able to block his account.

The “F-Game” and Youth Involvement

Young people involved in these scams often refer to it as the “F-Game,” or fraud game. Police emphasize that fraud is a serious crime, not a game, and are working to discourage young people from participating for small rewards. The goal is to disrupt the organizations employing these individuals as “errand boys.”

Impact on Victims

Authorities note that victims are often vulnerable elderly individuals who experience a significant loss of trust in others, and authorities. Many victims are reluctant to report crimes due to shame.