Financial Crime World

Belgian Authorities Sound Alarm Over Rising Fraud Cases as Scammers Adapt to New Tactics

The European Consumer Centre Belgium (ECC Belgium) is urging citizens to remain vigilant in the face of increasingly sophisticated scams. As fraud cases continue to rise, ECC Belgium has issued warnings and guidelines to help consumers detect and avoid common traps.

Conduct Thorough Research Before Making an Online Purchase

To stay ahead of scammers, it’s essential to conduct thorough research before making an online purchase. This includes:

  • Checking reviews from other customers
  • Verifying the authenticity of the website
  • Being cautious when encountering deals that seem too good to be true

Remember: “An offer that seems too good to be true probably is.”

Be Mindful of Payment Requests

When it comes to payment requests, consumers should always:

  • Ensure there is a clear and logical reason for making the payment
  • Use secure means such as credit cards, which offer chargeback protection in case of abuse
  • Never make payments without a valid reason

Protect Your Personal Information

Scammers often target individuals by asking for personal information over the phone or via email or text message. Remember:

  • Never share your personal information with unknown parties
  • Be cautious when giving out sensitive data, even to trusted sources
  • Keep your financial information private and secure

Be wary of:

  • Clicking on suspicious links or sharing sensitive data with unknown salespeople who may contact you via phone or message
  • Assuming a website is safe simply because its URL ends in “.be” or includes an official brand name
  • Sharing personal information with anyone, including those who claim to be from your bank or government agency

Trust Your Instincts and Act Quickly if You Suspect a Scam

If you suspect a scam:

  • End suspicious calls immediately
  • Do not click on links that seem suspicious
  • For phishing emails, forward them to [email protected]
  • Report any suspected scams to ECC Belgium

Remember: trust your instincts and act quickly if you suspect a scam. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and protect yourself from fraud!