Scammers are increasingly focusing on elderly citizens, and names like Else, Birthe, Kirsten, and Jytte are particularly vulnerable when it comes to phone fraud in Midt- og Vestsjælland (Midt and West Zealand). This is evident from a new report from Midt- og Vestsjællands Politi (Midt and West Zealand Police), which warns that scammers deliberately target victims with names that often belong to the older generation. Police Inspector Thomas Tarpgaard states that it is important for everyone to be vigilant – not only those with these names, but also their relatives and friends. “If you have a name in this category, you should be especially vigilant. It is important to talk to your mother, grandmother, neighbor, or friends in the card club about the risk of being scammed,” he says.
The list of the most vulnerable names primarily includes women, but also men’s names like Ole, Jan, and Hans are among those at risk. This emphasizes that the problem is widespread and not limited to women. The number of elderly people falling victim to fraud is increasing. In 2023, 787 people over 60 years old in the ten municipalities of the police district were victims of fraud. This is a worrying trend that requires increased awareness and prevention.
Midt- og Vestsjællands Politi (Midt and West Zealand Police) is working intensively to combat this type of crime and urges everyone to be vigilant and report suspicious incidents. It is important to break the taboo and speak openly about fraud, so more people can become aware of the problem and avoid becoming victims.