While the scam is not new, it has gained prominence in recent days, leaving victims in its wake and prompting the police to issue a warning on Tuesday.
The fraud typically involves two young people ringing a doorbell and pretending to be employees of a charity organisation. To lend an air of legitimacy, they often present a document purportedly endorsing their mission to gather charitable contributions.
They then ask to use the toilet or whether they could have a glass of water, which is obviously an excuse to gain access to the home. As one of the two distracts the homeowner, the other tries to steal valuables from inside the home.
The police point out that employees of humanitarian organisations are always able to prove who they are. If in doubt, the police recommend calling the organisation directly to verify their identity.
In an attempt to help residents avoid being taken advantage of, Médecins Sans Frontières Luxembourg has published the names and photos of their recruiters, along with their respective neighbourhood zones and the dates each will be visited.
