Police arrest suspects who obtained Marktplaats accounts through deception

The police have arrested two men suspected of gaining access to accounts on the online platform Marktplaats by calling users. They then used these accounts for scams.

According to the police, the men, both 21 years old, proceeded by calling Marktplaats users and pretending to be employees of the platform. They then tried to convince the individuals that a hacker had gained access to their account or that there was a malware infection. For that reason, they asked the people to provide their login details.

Through the accounts, the men sold electronic devices, including telephones. However, they never sent the products, even though the victims paid for them. The money transferred was then withdrawn by the men, according to the police. This started an investigation in response to various reports, of which ten have now been received. Other victims are requested to report the crime, if they have not yet done so.

It is not known exactly how much damage the suspects have caused, that would only be possible if all victims have reported themselves. The men are suspected of computer intrusion and fraud.