Scammers sometimes impersonate a friend or family member via Messenger, Facebook, WhatsApp, or text message, asking you to transfer money into their account. This is known as whaling. Via text message or WhatsApp, the alleged family member or friend informs you that they are experiencing issues with their previous phone number and are now contacting you from a new one. Through Facebook, the scammer either creates a new fake account or hacks an existing one of someone you know to gain your trust.

Never transfer money until you have contacted your relative, friend, or acquaintance through another channel.

On the website of the FPS Economy, you can find an overview of the different types of scams, with advice on how to distinguish genuine offers from fraudulent ones, as well as the best ways to respond.

Lost money or shared your bank details with scammers?

1. If you have shared your credit or bank card details, notify Card Stop immediately at 078 170 170 (+32 78 170 170 from abroad) to block your cards.
2. Contact your bank immediately so that the payment(s) and, if necessary, your bank account can be blocked.
3. If money has actually been stolen from your account, file a report with the local police.
4. Forward the suspicious message (email or text message) to suspect@safeonweb.be to block the URL of the suspicious website to prevent further victims.
5. If you paid by credit card, fill in a dispute form on macarte.be to report an unauthorised payment transaction via your credit card.

If money has been taken from your account without your consent, you may request a refund from your bank in case of phishing. This refund is subject to certain conditions.