Cybercriminals sometimes think they are untouchable. Until the police knock on the door.
Antwerp police's rapid response team was able to nab a 26-year-old cyber criminal last week. He had been sentenced to five years in prison for looting, together with a criminal organisation, almost 20,000 euros through online fraud. After his conviction, he went into hiding, but thanks to thorough detective work, police were able to arrest him.
This shows once again: online scammers are also detected, arrested and punished. This is why, if you are a victim of cybercrime or scams, it is so important to always report them to the police.
When do you file a report?
From the moment you lose money, we recommend filing a tax return.
Don't forget to contact your bank and/or Card Stop on 078 170 170 (+32 78 170 170 from abroad) if you have provided bank details. That way, any fraudulent transactions can be blocked.
Where can you report?
You make a report to the local police in your hometown.
Here is a list of police stations.
What do you take with you to the police station?
It is important to bring as much information as possible to the police station. Below is a list of information you can gather in advance:
- Has money disappeared from your account? Be sure to bring the bank statements that clearly show the fraud.
- Have you been in contact with someone on social media ? Bring a screenshot of the suspect's profile, the url of the profile and some screenshots of conversations that took place.
- Have you opened a fake website that e.g. resembles that of your bank or another institution? Take a screenshot and include it for your tax return.
- Have you been scammed through an online sales site? Bring a screenshot of the ad or offer you responded to.
- Did you receive an e-mail from the scammer? Save the message and print it.
Cybercriminals do not stop on their own. Every report helps. But thanks to your notification and report, the police can do their job. Help stop fraudsters. Because sooner or later, cybercriminals too will be caught.
