Around 2,300 reports of attempted phishing were made in 2024, with damages totalling €5.6 million, according to figures from the Ministry of Economy on Tuesday.
The reported damage is significantly higher than in 2023, when it was calculated to be €2.4 million. "The number of victims has remained more or less stable, but we are seeing that much higher damage is being reported," says Lien Meurisse, spokesperson for the Economy Ministry.
Phishing is a form of internet fraud in which false messages are used to try to obtain log-in details, credit card information, PIN codes or other personal details. These details can then be used to plunder bank accounts or commit identity fraud.
Phishing attempts take place via all possible digital channels. The names of well-known companies or government agencies are often used in these attempts.
The Ministry further warns of a relatively new trend in which fraudsters also operate physically by proposing an investment in crypto coins to potential victims during door-to-door visits. They are asked to scan a QR code, which in reality leads to a phishing website.
Preventing phishing
To prevent phishing, the Ministry recommends that people always verify the identity of the person trying to contact them. It also urges people to never share personal information via email, phone or text message, and never to follow a link to the payment site or mobile app of your bank.
Victims of phishing are entitled to a refund from a financial institution, the Ministry of Economy emphasises. An important condition for this is that there can be no question of gross negligence, such as communicating your PIN code. You must also have your card blocked immediately via Card Stop.
