How do you recognize a chat trick? But more importantly: how do you prevent it?

Theft through a chat trick is common and mainly among the elderly. Strangers ring the doorbell and use an excuse to get in. Once inside, they steal money or other valuables.

Seemingly reliable

Criminals are very sophisticated when it comes to chat tricks. For example, they speak to (often older) people on the telephone or come to the door. In addition, they often appear reliable. They can make contact with innocent questions where they indicate that they are from home care, or they ask if their child can go to the toilet. For example, they may also address you on the street about an everyday subject. For example, that someone has previously lost something on the street, which often did not happen at all.

Because the number of chat tricks has increased sharply in recent years, the Ministry of Justice and Security previously started the special campaign ‘Don’t make it too easy for them’. Tips are given there with regard to being alert to and preventing a chat trick.

Prevent chatter at the door

• Is there a doorbell? Don’t just open up to a stranger. You can, for example, use the ajar stand holder to leave the door ajar.
• Never let a stranger in and close the door when you go to get something inside.
• Never just pin at the door if you have not ordered something that you know you have to pay for.
• Be careful with debit cards: do not hand over your debit card, even if someone offers to help with debit cards. If someone else is holding the ATM, also be vigilant. In this way, someone may be able to view the PIN code.

Preventing a phone chat trick

• Don’t quite trust it? Call the organization in question to check. Look up the phone number yourself.
• Banks will never ask for (payment) details, PIN or security codes by telephone or text message. Also, they will never ask for direct access to your computer.

Have you fallen victim to a chat trick? Make sure you report this immediately to your bank and have your debit card blocked. In addition, file a report with the police. Is the scammer still around? Then immediately call the emergency number. In this way, the police may still be able to grab the perpetrator by the collar.

In addition to financial damage, a chat trick can also cause emotional damage. Victim Support Netherlands offers them free emotional support.