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Scams in the Netherlands: what to watch for right now

A plain summary of the scams official agencies in the Netherlands warn about most, with the latest published figures and the fastest way to get help.

By the TapSafely editorial teamUpdated

The numbers

Fraudulent transactions in Dutch payments rose 30% in 2025 to about 658,000, and the amount lost rose 22% to 198 million euros.

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB)

The Fraudehelpdesk received 101,734 reports in 2025, up more than 60% on 2024. 15,116 people reported losing money, and total reported damage was 68,492,848 euros.

Fraudehelpdesk

Scams to watch for in the Netherlands

Common in the Netherlands

Bank helpdesk fraud

Dutch police warn that criminals phone you or come to your door posing as bank staff, sometimes showing your bank's real number, and tell you to move your money to a "safe" account.

How to spot it
Common in the Netherlands

Friend in need fraud

Dutch police warn that criminals pose as family members or friends on WhatsApp or social media, say they have a new number or account, and ask you to pay urgent bills.

How to spot it
Common in the Netherlands

Investment fraud

Investment fraud caused the most damage reported by individuals to the Fraudehelpdesk in 2025 (34.1 million euros), and the AFM says it almost always starts online, through social media, fake ads and fraudulent websites.

How to spot it
Common in the Netherlands

Buying and selling fraud

The Fraudehelpdesk's 2025 review covers fraud when buying or selling goods online, where fake buyers or sellers take the money and never deliver, or send fake payment links.

How to spot it
Common in the Netherlands

Fake landlords

The Fraudehelpdesk warns about fake landlords who show people around homes that are not for rent.

How to spot it

Who scammers pretend to be

Bank employeesFamily members and friendsDe Nederlandsche Bank (DNB)Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM)Webshop and computer company helpdesksLandlords

Never trust a call, text or email just because it uses one of these names. Contact the organisation using details you find yourself.

If you've been scammed in the Netherlands

  1. Contact your bank straight away to try to stop the payment.
  2. Report it to the police. Some scams, such as friend in need fraud, can be reported online with DigiD at politie.nl. Otherwise call 0900-8844, or 112 in an emergency.
  3. Report the scam to the Fraudehelpdesk at fraudehelpdesk.nl or call 088 786 7372.
  4. DNB never asks for your PIN or for money transfers. If someone claims to call from DNB or your bank, hang up and contact the organisation yourself.

Where to report a scam in the Netherlands

Reviewed 2026-09-16. Services change, so check the official site if a link doesn't work.

Scam Weather for the Netherlands

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Questions

What are the most common scams in the Netherlands?

According to official sources: Bank helpdesk fraud, Friend in need fraud, Investment fraud, Buying and selling fraud, Fake landlords.

What should I do first if I've been scammed in the Netherlands?

Contact your bank straight away to try to stop the payment. Report it to the police. Some scams, such as friend in need fraud, can be reported online with DigiD at politie.nl. Otherwise call 0900-8844, or 112 in an emergency.

Who do scammers pretend to be in the Netherlands?

Official warnings mention Bank employees, Family members and friends, De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), Webshop and computer company helpdesks, Landlords.

Official sources and further reading

Figures and warnings on this page come from these official sources.