Two men suspected of fraud and theft against an elderly woman have been arrested, according to police in the Montgomery zone (Etterbeek/Woluwe-Saint-Lambert/Woluwe-Saint-Pierre) on Monday.
The police have observed a rise in a familiar scam targeting elderly and vulnerable people living alone. The suspects pose as contractors specialising in roof renovations, offering fictitious or overpriced services.
In the reported case, the first suspect approached a 90-year-old victim, claiming her roof was damaged. He proposed to repair and repaint the gutters for €1,600, demanding a cash deposit. The next day, he returned with an accomplice, claiming severe roof leaks and proposed a complete overhaul initially for €60,000, later halved to €30,000. The victim agreed to pay by bank transfer.
Alerted by a neighbour, the police intervened and arrested the suspects, who were then brought before a Brussels magistrate.
The victim, who lives alone, successfully recovered the €30,000. Police have urged vigilance and encourage people to report any suspicious behaviour.
