Common scams in Belgium

How it works

Emails, texts, or calls mimic Belgian banks and claim your account is locked or used fraudulently. Links lead to fake login pages that capture credentials or prompt you to approve fraudulent payments.

Warning signs

• Unexpected security alerts with login links.
• Domains that slightly misspell your bank’s name.
• Requests for codes from your card reader or banking app.
• Urgent language threatening account closure.

What to do

• ✓Do not use links from the message.
• ✓Log in only through your bank’s official app or typed URL.
• ✓Call your bank using the number on your card if you are unsure.
• ✓Report phishing to Safeonweb.be and your bank.

How it works

Scammers trigger itsme signing requests or impersonate support, claiming you must approve a request to secure your account or receive a refund. Approving can authorize payments or share identity data.

Warning signs

• Unexpected itsme notifications you did not start yourself.
• Calls or messages asking you to approve a pending request.
• Refund or prize stories tied to identity verification.
• Pressure to act before a deadline.

What to do

• ✓Decline requests you did not initiate.
• ✓Contact your bank or service provider through official channels.
• ✓Review recent itsme activity in the app.
• ✓Report suspicious contact to Safeonweb.be.

How it works

Fraudsters pretend to be Card Stop or bank security and instruct you to call a number they provide—or to share card details to “block” fraudulent use. The goal is to capture card data or authorize transfers.

Warning signs

• Unsolicited calls about card blocking.
• Instructions to call back on a number not listed on your card.
• Requests for full card number, PIN, or CVV.
• Claims that only immediate action can stop losses.

What to do

• ✓Hang up and call Card Stop yourself at 070 344 344 if needed.
• ✓Never share PIN or full card details by phone.
• ✓Monitor transactions in your banking app.
• ✓Report the attempt to your bank and police.

How it works

Messages claim a bpost or courier delivery failed and ask you to pay a fee or confirm details via a link. Fake sites harvest payment cards or personal information.

Warning signs

• Delivery notices for packages you did not order.
• Links to domains that are not bpost.be or known carriers.
• Small fee requests via unfamiliar payment pages.
• Poor spelling or generic greetings.

What to do

• ✓Track deliveries only on official carrier or retailer sites.
• ✓Avoid clicking links in unexpected SMS messages.
• ✓Verify shop and payment links with Fraudly.
• ✓Report phishing via Safeonweb.be.

How it works

Scam stores copy branding from popular retailers and advertise through social media. Customers pay but receive nothing, or receive poor counterfeits while support stops responding.

Warning signs

• Heavy discounts on in-demand products.
• No verifiable Belgian company number or physical address.
• Only wire transfer or crypto payment.
• Recently created domain with copied product images.

What to do

• ✓Check the site with Fraudly before ordering.
• ✓Prefer retailers with clear returns policies and known payment methods.
• ✓Search for reviews outside the shop’s own website.
• ✓Dispute charges with your bank if you were scammed.