Five common scams, and how to recognise them

Scammers keep getting cleverer. They take advantage of helpful, polite people. These are the five tricks I come across most often.

1. “Hoi mam, this is my new number”

You get a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. The sender says it is your son or daughter. In Dutch it usually starts with “Hoi mam” or “Hoi pap” (“Hi mum”, “Hi dad”). Their phone is broken, and they urgently need to pay a bill.

How to recognise it: an unknown number, a rush, and a request for money. What to do: call your child on the old number you know. Or ask a question only your child could answer.

2. The bank calls: “Your account is not safe”

Someone calls on behalf of the bank. There have been suspicious payments, and you need to move your money quickly to a “safe account”. Sometimes someone even comes round to collect your bank card. The number on your screen looks like it really is the bank’s. In the Netherlands this is known as bankhelpdeskfraude: fraud by people posing as your bank’s helpdesk.

How to recognise it: a bank will never ask you to transfer money, for your PIN, or to hand over your card. What to do: hang up and call the number on the back of your bank card yourself.

3. A text from the parcel delivery company

“Your parcel could not be delivered. Pay €1.95 to arrange a new delivery.” With a link.

How to recognise it: an unexpected message with a link and a small amount. What to do: don’t click the link. If you really are expecting a parcel, check in the delivery company’s own app or on its own website.

4. “Microsoft” calls about a virus

Someone calls and says they are from Microsoft. Your computer has a virus. They would be glad to help, if you just install a program so they can see your screen.

How to recognise it: Microsoft, Apple and Google never call you themselves. What to do: hang up. Never let someone who has called you look at your computer.

5. An email saying your account will be blocked

From your bank, DigiD (the Dutch government login), the Belastingdienst (the Dutch tax office) or an online shop. Something is wrong, and you need to log in quickly through the link to stop your account being blocked.

How to recognise it: a rush and a threat. What to do: don’t click the link. Go to the website or app yourself, the way you always do.

The golden rule

Scammers want you to act fast, so you don’t stop to think. So always take your time. In doubt? Call someone you trust before you do anything.

Clients with ongoing support can always forward a suspicious message to me. I take a look before you do anything. Better to ask once too often than to lose your savings.

Has it gone wrong anyway?

Call your bank straight away on the number on your bank card, and report it to the police. Don’t be embarrassed: it happens to a great many people, including young and clever ones.