Common scams in the Netherlands

How it works

Scammers pose as police or investigators and claim your bank account is involved in crime. They may ask you to withdraw cash, buy gift cards, or transfer money to a “safe account,” sometimes staying on the phone while you act.

Warning signs

• Unexpected calls claiming you must cooperate immediately.
• Pressure to keep the conversation secret from family or your bank.
• Requests to move money, buy vouchers, or share PINs or codes.
• Callers who refuse to let you verify through official police channels.

What to do

• ✓End the call and contact the police through 0900-8844 or your local emergency number if you feel unsafe.
• ✓Do not transfer money or share codes.
• ✓Tell your bank if you shared any details.
• ✓Report the incident to the police and keep evidence of the contact.

How it works

Fraudsters call, text, or email pretending to be from your bank’s fraud or security team. They create urgency about suspicious payments and guide you to approve transfers, share login details, or install remote-access software.

Warning signs

• Unsolicited contact about blocked accounts or suspicious transactions.
• Links to login pages that do not match your bank’s official domain.
• Requests for one-time codes, card reader steps, or remote access.
• Pressure to act within minutes.

What to do

• ✓Hang up and contact your bank using official channels only.
• ✓Never share codes generated by your banking app or card reader.
• ✓Check recent transactions in your official banking app.
• ✓Report phishing messages to your bank and to Fraudehelpdesk.nl.

How it works

A message appears to come from a child or relative saying they have a new phone number and urgently need money—for rent, fines, or an emergency. The story is designed to bypass your usual checks.

Warning signs

• A “new number” story with urgent payment requests.
• Refusal to voice or video call.
• Payment to an unknown IBAN or via gift cards or crypto.
• Emotional pressure and tight deadlines.

What to do

• ✓Call the family member on a number you already know.
• ✓Do not pay until identity is confirmed.
• ✓Warn others in your family about the same tactic.
• ✓Report the number to WhatsApp and keep screenshots.

How it works

SMS or email claims a package could not be delivered and asks you to click a link to reschedule or pay a small fee. The link leads to a fake postal or courier site that steals payment or login details.

Warning signs

• Delivery messages when you are not expecting a parcel.
• Links to domains that are not postnl.nl, dhl.com, or your retailer’s official site.
• Small “customs” or “redelivery” fees requested by card.
• Forms asking for full card details or banking logins.

What to do

• ✓Do not click links in unsolicited delivery texts.
• ✓Track parcels only through the retailer or carrier’s official app or website.
• ✓Check suspicious shop links with Fraudly before entering payment details.
• ✓Report phishing to Fraudehelpdesk.nl.

How it works

Professional-looking stores advertise steep discounts on popular brands through social ads or search results. After payment, goods never arrive, or counterfeit items are sent while the site disappears.

Warning signs

• Prices far below trusted retailers.
• Limited contact details, generic policies, or newly registered domains.
• Payment only via bank transfer, crypto, or unfamiliar methods.
• Copied logos and reviews with no verifiable company address.

What to do

• ✓Run the shop URL through Fraudly before you pay.
• ✓Prefer well-known retailers and secure payment methods with buyer protection.
• ✓Search the shop name with words like “scam” or “ervaringen.”
• ✓Dispute the charge with your bank or payment provider if you already paid.