Copenhagen Police report a sharp increase in criminals posing as police officers to defraud elderly residents. The scammers use fake police badges and convincing stories to steal payment cards and personal information.
Authorities describe a sophisticated two-step approach. First, fraudsters call victims pretending to be from their bank. They claim suspicious account activity or phone hacking. Then they send an accomplice posing as a police officer to collect payment cards directly from homes.
Bjarke Dalsgaard Madsen, deputy police inspector at Copenhagen's Economic Crime Unit, expressed serious concern about the trend. He said criminals systematically exploit public trust in banks and authorities. The scammers create believable scenarios that convince victims to hand over cards and codes during what they believe are legitimate police operations.
This cynical method particularly targets older and vulnerable citizens. The police emphasize that genuine officers never ask for payment cards, PIN codes, or banking details. They also never request participation in secret investigations or ask people to withdraw cash to buy gold.
Scam prevention experts note this pattern reflects broader trends across Northern Europe. Similar fake authority schemes have emerged in Sweden and Norway recently. The Nordic region's high trust in institutions makes citizens vulnerable to such exploitation.
Police provide clear protection guidelines. They advise people to stop and think twice when anyone claiming official authority requests personal information. Never provide payment cards, MitID details, account numbers, or PIN codes over the phone or to visitors.
If contacted by suspicious callers, immediately hang up and call police at 114 or your bank's main number. Discuss these scam patterns with older family members so they recognize and avoid potential fraud situations.
The current wave of fake officer incidents represents one of the most organized fraud campaigns targeting Danish seniors in recent years. Police have increased public awareness efforts while investigating multiple connected cases across Copenhagen neighborhoods.
Financial institutions and community organizations are collaborating with authorities to protect vulnerable groups. They recommend establishing family verification systems where seniors can check suspicious requests with trusted relatives before taking action.