The number of registered incidents also shows a sharp increase. Up to and including October, the counter has reached 10,631 reports. This means that the number is now considerably higher than in the whole of 2024, when 8,363 cases were recorded. In 2023 there were only 520. According to the police, the phenomenon was hardly registered before 2023, because it only occurred sporadically. However, there is now structural and rapid growth.
According to NU.nl figures, the working method of the fake agents is almost always the same. Victims are contacted by telephone with the story that there are many burglaries in their neighborhood. The “agents” then offer to collect valuables for temporary safekeeping. Both door-to-door deception and call center fraud appear to play a role.
Large regional differences
According to the police, the increase in the number of arrests is not only due to the explosive growth of the phenomenon, but also to targeted investigation actions. Teams are extra alert in call centers and on the streets, which leads to more arrests.
Underage fake cop knocks on the door for valuables, but finds real cops at the door
Major differences are visible regionally. The East Netherlands takes the cake with 2,393 incidents. The The Hague and Zeeland-West-Brabant units follow with around 1,500 reports each. In North Holland (589) and Amsterdam (250), the number of incidents remains relatively low.
What should you do when a fake agent calls?
If you receive a call from someone who you suspect is not a real police officer, the police advise you to call 0900-8844 immediately to check whether it is a real officer. If you have provided information, for example your address, the police warns not to let anyone in if someone is at the door.