Police arrested five Arnhemmers late last year on suspicion of large-scale bank help desk fraud. In this case, as many as 95 victims together were defrauded of more than 800,000 euros. The case got rolling after the suspects came into view in several small cases. After further investigation, the group was found to have made victims throughout the Netherlands.
In bank help desk fraud, criminals pose as bank employees who supposedly want to protect customers from unusual transactions. The fraudsters contact customers by phone and try to gain their victims' trust. After this, they convince them to release login information or transfer their money to a "safe account" themselves. The fraudsters sometimes go so far as to pretend to be bank employees at the victim's door in order to get their hands on bank cards and PIN numbers.
The five suspects are all from Arnhem and are between the ages of 18 and 27. The oldest suspect is suspected of directing the group. He is considered the prime suspect and may therefore receive a higher sentence. The four younger suspects are allowed to await their case in freedom, but the main suspect is still in custody. During searches, cash, crypto currency and even the 27-year-old main suspect's home were seized.
The group consists of five suspects, with each suspect having a distinct role, according to police. These include the calling bank teller, a digitally proficient criminal who quickly robs a bank account and the second alleged employee who appears at the door. Police also indicate that the victims are often over 70 years old. This group is less digitally proficient, has great faith in an institution such as a bank and often has more money than younger people.
