Belgium Sees Alarming Surge in Online Fraud and Scams: Experts Warn of Increasing Credibility
A staggering increase in suspicious messages has been reported by Belgians, with almost ten million phishing emails forwarded to the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium’s dedicated email address ‘verdacht@safeonweb.be’ this year alone. This represents a significant jump from six million in 2022, with an average of 27,000 messages received daily.
The Rise of Online Scams
Experts at the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB) fear that scam attempts will become even more convincing and sophisticated, citing the rise of criminal groups and activities as a major concern. According to CCB spokesperson Michele Rignanese, cybercrime is becoming increasingly prevalent, with people losing valuable data and money.
The Alarming Trend
The alarming trend has seen almost one in three Belgians (28%) report receiving scam messages, helping the agency detect over 1.2 million suspicious links this year. The Centre uses these findings to update the Belgian Anti-Phishing Shield (BAPS), which warns internet users when they attempt to access malicious sites by redirecting them to a warning page.
New Tactics and Recurring Scams
Recurring scams and new tactics have emerged, with government agencies, banks, internet providers, and online shops frequently being impersonated. Fake messages often claim that packages are waiting or must be collected, while others intimidate victims with claims of vice investigations.
Advanced Tactics to Evade Detection
Rignanese warns that each year brings new techniques to evade detection, including phishing via QR codes (squishing) and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) applications to create convincing deepfakes. These advanced tactics make it increasingly difficult for internet users to recognize scams.
Staying Safe Online
To stay safe online, experts recommend several precautions:
- Install the Safeonweb browser extension to help identify whether a website is legitimate
- Be vigilant on mobile devices and always check URLs and email addresses before clicking
- Secure smartphones, tablets, and laptops with strong passwords, automatic updates, and reputable apps
- Forward suspicious messages to Safeonweb to help warn others and prevent further scams
Conclusion
With the increasing sophistication of online fraud, Belgians must remain cautious and take proactive steps to protect themselves from these ever-evolving threats. By following these simple precautions, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to online scams and stay safe in the digital world.