Victims of WhatsApp fraud can now report via the police website

Victims of WhatsApp fraud can now report online. A special section has been created on the police site where citizens can report fraud via the chat app, but also via email, text message or other social media.

Citizens can report both fraud cases themselves and attempted fraud, the police writes. This can be done via a special section on the site, which can now be found under the general section where citizens can file a report.

This specifically concerns fraud by criminals who pose as a friend, family member or acquaintance in order to extort money. This method is becoming more and more common. Someone sends a message to a victim and makes an excuse about why money needs to be transferred to an account. Often the fraudster has already acquired background knowledge about the victim.

The fraud occurs most often via WhatsApp, because it is such a popular means of communication. According to the police, however, this is not a requirement before someone can file a report. This is also possible if there is fraud via email, text message, or other social media apps such as Telegram or Snapchat.

From now on, victims no longer have to go to the office to report the crime. This used to be necessary, but that was a major barrier for many victims. The declaration must be made via DigiD. The police warn that the reporting option does not apply to identity fraud via WhatsApp. Victims still have to go to the station for that.