Online Scams & Fraud in the Netherlands

Though scams continue to be a major problem in the Netherlands, it's now much easier to report a scam. This has seen a continuous increase in the number of scam reports received by the police and scam-fighting countries.

Scammers are now targeting young people, who are now more likely to get scammed than older people. At least 68% of Dutch people have been targeted by scammers, either through phone calls, SMS, or email. It's not all doom and gloom, as the police are stepping up efforts to fight scams and organizations are now offering more tips and guides to help protect consumers.

Read on to find out all you need to know about scams in the Netherlands and where you can report a scam or get help.

Scam Statistics in the Netherlands

The key statistics on online fraud in the Netherlands, according to the Global Anti Scam Alliance

The figures in the table differ strongly per year as various sources have been used, pending on availability.

Where Can I Report a Scam in the Netherlands?

If you have fallen victim to a scam or have suspicions about a likely scam, here are the places where you can report it;

• The Dutch Police Online Crime Center combines all the reports from 10 police units and coordinates efforts to fight online crime. You can report to them any online scam you may have experienced.
• European Consumer Centre (ECC) Netherlands: If the scam involves cross-border transactions within the European Union, you can contact the European Consumer Centre (ECC) Netherlands. They provide assistance to consumers facing issues related to cross-border online purchases.
• Fraud Help Desk (Fraudehelpdesk): It is a Private Public Partnership that helps consumers find the right support. Contact them through the phone number 088 – 7867372 or +31 – 88 – 7867372 if you are outside the Netherlands. 
• Others include:
  • Fraudulent Employment Agencies Reporting Centre (For employment-related scams)
  • Report malicious and phishing emails (Tax and Customs Administration)

How to Report a Scam in the Netherlands

Reporting a Scam is crucial. At the moment only 7% of all scams are reported. As a result, only 0,05% of all cybercriminals are caught. Reporting online fraud is not only essential if you want to try and get your money back. It is also needed to help law enforcement fight scammers better.

• Gather info: Collect all information about the suspected fraud including the name, telephone, key web pages, emails, IP address, and any other information relevant. This is needed to file a complete report.
• Report the incident: Always report to your local law enforcement and note the file number they might provide for your fraud report for future reference.
• Stop the Money: Report the incident to the financial institution that transferred the money such as your bank, Paypal, credit card company, or the Internet payment service provider.
• Protect yourself: Scammers often contact you again. Sometimes with the same scam. Sometimes to help you “recover your money”. Consider changing your email address/phone number. Also, install the ScamAdviser browser extension to warn you of scams.
   

Our article “How and Where to Report a Scam” gives you more detail and tips on how you can best report online fraud.

Scam Victim Support in the Netherlands

1. Slachtofferwijzer.nl is a renowned support service that offers help to victims in many fields, including scams. Get in touch with them through their email, info@fondsslachtofferhulp.nl.
2. Victim Support Netherlands will reach out to you if you file a report, and you will be contacted by a counselor. You can also reach them at 0900-010.

How to Check for a Scam in the Netherlands

Of course, you can always check for a scam on ScamAdviser.com. However, there are several other sources where you can check if a website is registered as a company and if it can offer financial, gambling, or other regulated services as well. They include;

• The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK- Visit their website to check for business-related scams and frauds.
• Fraudehelpdesk- Check out Fraud Help Desk to check for online shopping scams, phishing scams, phone-related scams, romance scams, plus many more.

Anti-Scam Organizations & Consumer Authorities

• ECP: This PPP strives to create a safe and prosperous environment for Dutch people using online spaces by stimulating cooperation. 
• VeiligInternetten.nl: This website offers tips and tricks for consumers to help them use the internet safely.
• AlertOnline: Designed to help companies build their cybersecurity by raising awareness.

Popular Scams in the Netherlands

Rental/Housing Scams

Housing scams in the Netherlands have been on the rise thanks to the housing crisis. Since getting a house is very hard, scammers usually want to take advantage of this and often make offers that seem too good to be true. Some of the more common telltale signs that you may be dealing with a scammer include;

• Ridiculously low prices
• Extremely good location close to restaurants, grocery stores, and bars
• Fully furnished with everything you are looking for
• Prices inclusive of amenities like water, internet, gas & electricity
• The rooms are rented separately, for instance, each room costs €400
• No minimum or maximum time limit. Stay as long as you want
• A landlord who wants to be paid on Airbnb
• A landlord cannot show you an apartment because they are in another country.

This, plus many other signs, points to a housing scam that has seen people lose thousands of euros.

You can always check the real landlord of a property through the Kadaster property register. Remember, if a deal is too good, it probably is. 

Scam News From the Netherlands

• Police scam victims are often foreigners ‘who communicate in English’
• English language phone scam nets 136 victims and €1 million

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