Watch out! Fake lawyers try to get money from you via WhatsApp or Facebook
VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN) warns that criminals are trying to scam people applying for asylum online. The scammers speak Arabic and pretend to be lawyers via Facebook or WhatsApp. They promise to help you with your asylum procedure, but ask for money to do so. Do not send money.
They tell stories that are not true
The scammers say they can help you with your asylum procedure. For example, they claim that they will file a request with the court in the Netherlands for you, so that you will get an answer faster, wait less time or get a residence permit. This is not true. Do not believe it and certainly do not pay any money.
The IND determines when it is your turn and whether you get a permit
Only the
Your own lawyer can tell you whether the message is real or fake
Not sure if a message really comes from your asylum lawyer? If so, contact the lawyer's office. Or ask an employee of
Go to the police if you have been scammed
Have you been approached via Facebook, WhatsApp or another social media channel? Did you pay money and then not hear anything back? Then you have probably been scammed. It is important that you report this to the police as soon as possible. The police can then try to help you and find the scammer. An employee of VWN can support you in making an appointment with the police.