Lately, malicious groups have been taking advantage of the goodwill of the elderly to extort money from them. Using an injury as a pretext, these crooks try to win over the elderly. Find out more about the stratagems used by these crooks to avoid falling into the trap!

The principle of the injury scam

Usually in pairs, young people will approach an elderly person and explain that one of them is injured and needs quick treatment. The elderly person then drops their guard and offers to take the injured person home or to the doctor for treatment. This is when the injured person asks for or steals money.

Two variations on this scam

There are two popular variants of this scam. So you need to be particularly vigilant in these situations.

Here's how the first one works: You're in your car, driving at low speed. You stop to park and suddenly someone comes up to you. He claims that you've run over his foot and that he needs to go to the doctor. Unluckily, this person has no money to pay for the consultation and asks you to help them out. The amount charged usually varies between €30 and €500, but can quickly rise to €8,000. Sometimes a false witness will come forward and claim to have seen the whole thing.

The second works a little differently: You've just withdrawn money from the bank or done your shopping and someone accosts you. They pretend to be injured and ask you for help. Out of kindness, you offer to treat her at your home and invite her in. You put down your belongings and hurry to another room to get your first-aid kit. During this time, the injured fake takes the opportunity to search your bag or drawers for money, jewellery or your bank card. Before you know it, he will have fled or hidden his loot.

How can you avoid the trap?

Firstly, never let a stranger into your home and never let them out of your sight. If the person needs treatment, offer to call an ambulance or a doctor. This is usually enough to deter malingerers.

Next, if the young person asks you for money for hospital expenses or sick leave (a frequently used excuse), don't be fooled! Insurance companies usually cover these costs! Ask them for their contact details so that you can make arrangements with their insurer. If he's lying, that should discourage him.

What should I do if I'm a victim?

Have you fallen, or almost fallen, into the trap of this type of scam? Report it immediately to the police. This will enable you to make an accurate physical description of the suspects and prevent other scams. Depending on the case, the officers will also suggest that you lodge a complaint in order to take legal action against the crooks.

If you notice that your bank card is missing, contact your bank immediately and make sure that your money has not been withdrawn. If there is still time, ask for the card to be deactivated and order a new one. This will prevent any unauthorised withdrawals.