Scammed — what now? The step-by-step plan
It happened. Do not be ashamed — this happens to smart, careful people every day. What matters now is order and speed. Work through this list top to bottom.
The first hours matter most. A transfer can sometimes still be stopped, a card blocked, a logged-in scammer logged out. Then comes the evidence, then the reports. Keep everything; throw nothing away.
What you do
- Call your bank. Now.The number on the back of your card, or through the app. Say you were scammed: have the card blocked, ask whether the payment can be stopped or reclaimed, and ask about the goodwill scheme for bank helpdesk fraud. Banks run 24/7 lines for this.
- Lock the scammer out.Logged in on a fake site? Change the password — everywhere you use the same one. Installed software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer)? Remove it and switch the computer off. WhatsApp taken over? Reinstall and register again.
- Keep the evidence.Screenshots of messages, the phone number, the e-mail address, the link, the account number you paid to, date and time, the name the scammer used. Everything.
- File a police report.Online via politie.nl/aangifte for many forms of online fraud; otherwise call 0900-8844. Without a report there is no bank compensation and no investigation of the account number.
- Report it to the Fraudehelpdesk.fraudehelpdesk.nl or 088-786 73 72. They register, advise and warn others. Also report to the platform (Marktplaats, Facebook, WhatsApp) and to the organisation that was impersonated.
- Used a credit card? Request a chargeback.From ICS, your bank or the card company. You usually have 120 days. PayPal: open a dispute.
- Shared DigiD or ID? Get in touch.DigiD: log in, check your details and change your password; in doubt block via digid.nl and apply again. Shared a copy of your ID? Report it to the Rijksdienst voor Identiteitsgegevens; consider a new document.
- Report the dossier here.Look up the number, domain or address on this site and report it. Your report warns the next person.
Never do this
- Accept a “recovery service” that retrieves your money for a fee up front. Same gang, round two.
- Delete the evidence out of shame. The police and the bank need it.
- Wait. Every hour makes recovery harder.
Questions people ask
Will I get my money back?
It depends on how you paid. Credit card and PayPal: often, via chargeback or dispute. Transfer/iDEAL to a Dutch account: sometimes, if you call fast. Bank helpdesk fraud: banks compensate in many cases as goodwill, with a police report. Crypto, gift cards, Western Union: almost never.
Is filing a report worth it?
Yes. The police can follow an account number, tackle money mules and bundle cases. And without a report a bank does not compensate.
I was scammed by a company that does not exist. Whom do I complain to?
Police report and Fraudehelpdesk. If you paid through a real payment service (Mollie, Adyen, PayPal), report it there too: they can close the account.
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Read next
Sources
Police — file a report · Fraudehelpdesk · Slachtofferhulp Nederland