Cases of financial fraud and phishing attacks rose precipitously last year, according to a recent analysis by the Federal Public Service (FPS) Economy.
The study, which was published on Monday, noted that a total of 51,874 instances of fraud were reported in 2022 – a 8.26% increase compared to the previous year.
Phishing attacks accounted for roughly a quarter (23%) of all cases of fraud, while unsolicited phone calls were responsible for 20% and online sales fraud for 15% of all scams respectively.
In a statement, FPS Economy spokesperson Etienne Mignolet said that swindlers are becoming increasingly proficient at adapting their scams to current economic conditions.
"The scammers are clearly surfing the news to develop their modus operandi," he explained. "So, for example, in 2022, there were many reports of fake online stores that offered firewood and wood pellets. They were thus trying to take advantage of the sharp rise in energy prices, which was pushing consumers to turn to other sources of energy."
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Mignolet further noted that over the past year FPS Economy had received an unspecified "large number" of reports of fake online stores appearing to sell toys, as well as "numerous reports" of the non-delivery of tickets for cultural and sporting events – suggesting that unwitting consumers may have purchased their tickets on fake online platforms.
He added that the increase in online scams is "the reason why FPS Economy will launch an awareness campaign this summer to help consumers recognise fake online stores".
