False bank employees at work in Bruges: ‘5,000 euros poorer’ – police arrest suspect

The seller himself gave chase and immediately called the police, who arrived on the scene and were able to apprehend the suspect.

5,000 euros poorer

The cybercrime cell of Police Bruges is still receiving files of the so-called trick with ‘fake bank employees’. A bank employee calls the alleged victim that something is wrong with his or her bank card, after which the bank informs them that it will send someone to collect the card and render it unusable. During the telephone conversation or when the fake bank employee visits, the code is stolen from the victim. The bank card is prominently ‘clipped’ in the presence of the victim, but the chip remains intact without the victim taking any notice. The scammers take the card with them to quickly make purchases and withdraw cash before the victim notices that suspicious transactions are taking place and raises the alarm. Also this week, an elderly man became 5000 euros poorer.

Parquet

On Tuesday afternoon, a salesperson from a shop in the center of Bruges called the police to report that they had received a suspicious customer. Without much hesitation, that person bought a remarkable amount of electronic devices, which is suspicious in itself. The servant smelled danger and gave chase himself. In the meantime, he also called the police, who continued the pursuit and were able to arrest the suspect. It soon became apparent that the suspect could be linked to several facts. It is now up to the Brugse Public Prosecution Service to take further steps.

Extra vigilant

Bruges police warns again: be extra vigilant when the bank calls, requests your code and sends someone over. Bank employees never just go to people’s homes. Calling the police is the only good reflex. Do not let anyone into the house just like that!