Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors with sophisticated tricks, leading to significant financial losses and a growing need for education and awareness. A course focused on recognizing and avoiding scams was recently held at the Eureka senior complex in Otterlo.

The most prevalent scam currently involves imposters posing as police officers. In 2024, authorities have already documented over eight thousand incidents involving these fake officers, a significant surge compared to the 544 cases reported in the previous year.

Geeske Melgers and Ida van Silfhout from Maatschappelijk Werk Ede, who have been conducting these courses for two and a half years throughout the municipality of Ede, lead the sessions. Their approach includes using video reconstructions of scams, similar to those featured on the crime-solving TV program ‘Opsporing Verzocht,’ to illustrate how these schemes operate. They engage the seniors by asking them about their instincts during crucial moments in the videos and providing advice on securing their homes, using PINs safely, and staying safe online.

Statistics indicate that in 2023, ten million Dutch individuals aged 15 and over encountered scammers impersonating others. Of these, 107,000 suffered financial harm. The total damage attributed to bank spoofing, where scammers pose as bank employees, amounted to 140 million euros that year.

A key takeaway from the course is the importance of immediately refusing contact and not opening the door to suspicious individuals. Ida van Silfhout noted that older individuals often have a natural inclination to be polite and trusting, which can make them vulnerable. Geeske Melgers shared her personal experience of almost falling victim to a scam involving a fake Rabobank employee, highlighting the sophistication of these schemes.

Following the presentation, participants receive informational materials with helpful tips. Attendees Joke van Cool (85) and Wil Brands (80) found the course to be valuable. Brands, who is generally well-informed, appreciated the information, while Van Cool realized during the course that she could also become a victim. Both women acknowledged that they were less suspicious in the past but now feel more prepared and less fearful.