Reports of fake police officers reach record high in the Netherlands

In the first half of 2026, police in the Netherlands have received more than 7.200 reports of people impersonating officers - a record high for a six-month period. The police have launched several campaigns in an attempt to reduce the number of fake police officers in the country.

Over 7.200 reports of fake police officers in the Netherlands

Since 2024, there has been a surge in the number of police officer impersonations. Last year, nearly 13.000 incidents involving fake police officers were registered, according to figures from Dutch police.

That number is expected to be overtaken this year; the first half of 2026 saw over 7.200 reports of people impersonating police. This is the highest number ever recorded in a six-month period. People over the age of 70 seem to be the likeliest targets, according to police.

Criminals pose as community police officers to try to gain the trust of residents and then trick unknowing individuals into handing over their money, jewellery or bank cards, reports Nieuws.nl. This can be done over the phone, with someone coming to “secure” the belongings, or with impersonators coming directly to a victim’s front door. 

Awareness campaign for police impersonation

The police have launched several campaigns to tackle the issue of fake police officers. This week, an awareness campaign begins in which messages will pop up on information screens in waiting rooms of doctors. The hope is to prevent more people from being scammed.

Another campaign called Game Over?! was also recently launched by the Public Prosecution Service, where photos of 100 fake police officers and other impersonators were published online, in TV commercials and on screens along Dutch roads. 74 of the criminals were identified with the campaign, reports NOS. 

For tips on how to recognise a fake police officer and what you should do if you encounter one, visit the official police website (in Dutch).