Scams in the Netherlands

Scams often involve someone trying to steal money or personal information from you. The scammer pretends to be trustworthy, such as a sales person, a bank employee or even a family member. They use clever tricks to make you believe it is real. Sometimes scammers talk in a very friendly and convincing way. They pretend to want to help you, but they want money or information.

Scammers often operate through social media, email or over the phone, but sometimes also come to your home or approach you on the street. Below you can read about the most common ways people are scammed.

• Online sales:You buy something through Marketplace, Vinted or Facebook Marketplace, but you never get it. Or someone sends you a link to pay through an unknown website. Through that link, the scammer withdraws money from your account. Therefore, always check if the website is real and use secure payment methods.

• Fake messages from banks or government agencies: You get an email or text message with a link to pay or login, for example, from a bank, postal companies or government agencies such as the Dutch tax authorities. These messages look real but are fake. When you click on the link, a scammer gets your information or money. Banks,

  DigiD
  and government agencies never send links to log in or pay.

• WhatsApp scam: Sometimes someone sends a message that includes text like this: 'Hi mum, I have a new number. Can you help me make a quick payment? Often that is a scammer. Scammers use profile pictures of family members, friends or real businesses to appear trustworthy. Always call the old number or ask a personal question that only your family member can answer.

• Love or investment fraud: You meet someone over the internet who says they love you or have a good plan to make money. After a while, that person asks for money. For example, for a ticket or for an investment. Never send money to someone you only know online.

• Identity fraud: Sometimes people use your passport, identity card or personal information to buy something, take out a loan or a phone subscription. Only share your ID if you really need to, and write on it that it is a copy. For example, with a

  watermark
  . Also, do not forget to write a date with the copy.

• Fake QR stickers at parking meters: Stickers with fake QR codes have been found on parking machines in some Dutch municipalities. Those who scan the code are redirected to a fake payment site and may lose money. Always pay your parking ticket through the official parking machine or through a reliable app such as ParkMobile or EasyPark. Never use QR codes stuck on the machine.

• Fake agents: Sometimes scammers pretend to be police officers. They ring your doorbell or call and say something is wrong with your bank account or that they want to "secure" your money. They sometimes even wear a uniform or display a fake police badge. They then want to take your money or debit card. Real police officers never ask for your debit card, PIN number or money. Do not you not trust them? Ask to see the official police card, and then call the police yourself to verify that they are real police.

• Spoofing
  (fake phone calls): With spoofing, a scammer calls you with a fake number similar to that of your bank, municipality or a company. They ask you to transfer money or give personal information. Hang up immediately and call the organisation's official number yourself. A real bank or agency will never ask you over the phone to transfer money.

• Chantage
  (threatening messages via email): Sometimes you get an email in which someone threatens you with personal information or says they have "filmed" you. The scammer asks for money to keep this secret. Never pay or respond. These types of messages are fake. Report it to the police
  or the Fraud Helpline
  .

If you think you have been scammed, do something quickly. The sooner you react, the more likely you can limit damage. Below are steps to limit the damage:

1. Stop paying and call your bank immediately: Tell them you think you have been scammed. Sometimes the bank can stop the payment or get the money back.

2. Keep all evidence: Save messages, emails, phone numbers and receipts. This information will help the police or your bank with the investigation.

3. Report it to the police: Go to the police website or call 0900-8844. Report it, even if it is a small amount. This helps the police track down scammers.

4. Report it to the Fraud Helpdesk: They provide free advice on what you can do and help you avoid further damage.

5. Tell family and friends: Do not be ashamed. Scams can happen to anyone. By sharing what happened, you help others not go through the same thing.

• Never click on links in emails or text messages you do not trust.

• Never share your PIN, DigiD or banking information with anyone else.

• Only pay through secure websites with https:// in the link.

• Are you in doubt about a message or person? Ask for help from someone you trust.

• Always check the account number or phone number of the person you are contacting.

• Think calmly before you pay or click. Scammers want you to respond quickly, but always take a moment to verify that something is real.