Online Scams in the Netherlands: Complete Guide 2026
The Fraudehelpdesk reported over 400,000 scam reports in 2025, with Dutch residents losing an estimated €100 million. The Netherlands' high digital literacy doesn't provide immunity — it creates a sophisticated online population that scammers target with equally sophisticated attacks. The iDEAL payment system, Marktplaats marketplace, and Dutch banking infrastructure are all exploited.
iDEAL Payment Scams
iDEAL is the Netherlands' dominant online payment system, used for over 70% of e-commerce transactions. Scammers create fake iDEAL payment pages that intercept banking credentials. On Marktplaats, fake buyers send "payment links" that look like iDEAL but redirect to phishing banking pages.
"Ik heb het bedrag van €450 overgemaakt via iDEAL. Klik op deze link om het bedrag te ontvangen: [phishing link]" — (I've transferred €450 via iDEAL. Click this link to receive the payment.) — A common Marktplaats buyer scam. Receiving iDEAL payments doesn't require clicking links.
Banking Phishing
ING, Rabobank, ABN AMRO, and SNS Bank are impersonated through SMS (with spoofed sender IDs showing the bank's name), email, and phone calls. Messages about "nieuwe beveiligingsprocedures" (new security procedures) or account suspensions lead to fake banking environments that capture login credentials and approval codes.
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Dutch banks have introduced stricter authentication, but scammers conduct real-time relay attacks — phishing your credentials while simultaneously using them to log into your actual account. Never share authentication codes or approve unexpected app notifications.
Marktplaats and Marketplace Fraud
Marktplaats, owned by eBay, is the Netherlands' largest classified ads platform. Fraud includes fake listings, advance payment theft, fake escrow services, and the "too good to be true" pricing that lures victims. Use Marktplaats's built-in payment protection when available, and always meet in person for high-value transactions.
PostNL and Delivery Scams
PostNL, DHL, and UPS impersonation through delivery failure texts with fee requests follow the European-wide pattern. Track packages only at postnl.nl.
Belastingdienst (Tax Authority) Scams
Fake Belastingdienst emails about tax refunds (teruggave) are common. The Belastingdienst never emails links for refunds. Manage your tax affairs through belastingdienst.nl with DigiD.
Reporting Scams in the Netherlands
- Fraudehelpdesk: 088 786 2837 or fraudehelpdesk.nl
- Police: 0900-8844 (non-emergency) or file online at politie.nl
- Meldpunt Internetoplichting: Report internet fraud via the police website
- ACM (Authority for Consumers & Markets): acm.nl
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