Police in Oslo arrested a 54-year-old man on suspicion of fraud after he gained entry to an elderly couple’s home by posing as a bank representative. The suspect had previously deceived the couple out of 50,000 kroner, and returned to the residence to extract further funds while the victims were on a phone call with their bank.
The Anatomy of the Home-Visit Fraud
The incident began when the victim, a man in his 80s, received a call from individuals posing as bank staff who claimed his wifi router had a virus. After obtaining sensitive information, the callers transferred 50,000 kroner from the victim’s account and subsequently blocked it. The suspects then told the man that someone from the security department would arrive within 20 minutes to resolve the issue.
Upon arrival, the 54-year-old suspect entered the home, physically manipulated the router, and instructed the victim to call his bank. The suspect directed the victim to claim the 50,000 kroner transfer was for a used car purchase, a ruse intended to lead the bank on a wrong track, according to the elderly resident.
Bank Intervention and Police Response
The scam was interrupted when the victim called Sparebank 1 Østlandet. A customer advisor in his 20s, based 122 kilometers away in Gjøvik, grew suspicious when the victim insisted on the car purchase story while sounding hesitant and clearly coached by a background voice. Recognizing the signs of an ongoing crime, the advisor notified Erik Bjerkaas, a fraud investigator at the bank.
Bjerkaas contacted the police, who authorized an immediate response under the principle of necessity, which allows banks to bypass confidentiality when they suspect criminals are at a customer’s home. Five officers arrived at the Oslo apartment, finding the suspect still inside. The man was arrested on the spot. According to police advocate Henrik Horverak Steenfeldt-Foss of the Oslo Police District, the suspect is previously convicted of financial crimes and has indicated he was working with others via encrypted platforms like Signal and Telegram.
Investigation and Legal Implications
Police are currently reviewing communication logs from the suspect’s devices to identify potential accomplices. While physical violence is not a standard feature of these home visits, authorities warn that perpetrators may become verbally aggressive if they sense suspicion. The investigation remains ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the bank know to call the police?
A customer advisor in Gjøvik heard a suspicious voice in the background and noted that the customer appeared coached and unable to speak freely. He reported this to the bank’s fraud investigator, who then contacted the police.
Why do criminals perform home visits?
According to police advocate Henrik Horverak Steenfeldt-Foss, home visits are used to build trust and allow criminals to carry out fraud while physically present, often with the goal of obtaining the victim’s physical bank card.
What should I do if someone claiming to be from the bank calls or visits?
Police advise that you should never provide sensitive information or BankID over the phone. Keep your door locked, do not allow unannounced visitors inside, and contact the police or your bank directly if you are in doubt.
How would you ensure the safety of your elderly relatives against such sophisticated, multi-stage fraud attempts?
