Scammed online? Follow this step-by-step guide
4 min
Online fraud does not just happen to grandparents or unsuspecting neighbours. Have you fallen victim to an online scam? If so, it is important to act quickly: block your bank card, gather evidence, contact your bank, tell your parents, and report the fraud to the police or Safeonweb. This will help to limit the damage and prevent others from falling into the same trap. We also share some useful tips to help you shop safely online.
What is online fraud and how does it differ from ‘traditional scams’?
Online fraud is a scam involving the use of the internet, digital channels, or electronic payment methods to steal money, bank details, login credentials, or personal data. In the past, scams often involved door-to-door salespeople or fake lotteries. Today, however, fraudsters can target large numbers of people quickly and easily online. There are many different types of online fraud, including phishing, dating scams and quishing. In this article, we explain how these scams work and how to recognise them.
How can you recognise a suspicious message?
Fraudsters almost always start by trying to gain your trust. Be wary of messages from unknown senders who seem helpful or trustworthy, especially if they ask for personal or financial information. Always verify the identity of the sender before clicking on links or sharing sensitive information. Scammers often use email addresses that closely resemble official ones. It is safer to visit the official website directly than to click on links in the message.
Warning signs to look out for:
- The sender pressures you to act quickly ('This must be done today') or threatens you ('If you do not do this, your account will be blocked').
- Spelling or language mistakes
- A suspicious website address or unusual email address
- Requests for your bank card details, national register number, passwords or security codes
What should you do if you have been scammed online?
Tell your parents
If you think you have been scammed, always tell your parents first. They can help you with the next steps.
Contact Card Stop to block your bank card
Block your bank card immediately by calling Card Stop on +32 78 170 170 or via Easy Banking app. In Easy Banking app, go to Settings > Security > Devices to see which devices your banking app is installed on and to remove any suspicious or unknown devices.
Alternatively, you and your parents can also contact our customer service team via the Easy Banking Centre (open Monday to Friday from 7am to 10pm and Saturday from 9am to 5pm) on 02 762 90 00.
Gather evidence
Make sure you keep all evidence, such as emails, screenshots, order confirmation mails, text messages, proof of payment[W1.1] and account statements, in case you need to file a complaint later on. It is important to gather as much information as possible when reporting online fraud.
How and where can you report online fraud?
Have you received a suspicious message? Forward it immediately to suspicious@safeonweb.be. Safeonweb analyses these reports and can help to block malicious senders. If you have fallen victim to online fraud, you can also report it directly via the Safeonweb website.
Have you fallen victim to an online scam? Always report it to your local police station and ask for an official police report. You should also inform your bank and send them a copy of the report.
Was the product you ordered online not what was promised? Has something gone wrong with the delivery? For e-commerce complaints, contact ConsumerConnect. This organisation will explain your rights and obligations as a consumer and help you find a solution if something goes wrong.
How can you avoid being scammed online?
Prevention is better than cure. Stay alert when using the internet. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and keep the operating system on your computer or smartphone up to date. Only log in via secure Wi-Fi networks. You can find more tips for shopping safely online here.
Questions? We’re here to help you.