‘About half of all reports of internet fraud are about webshop fraud,’ says Van der Linden. In 2024, there were 45,000 reports, of which more than 20,000 were about webshop fraud. ‘This is a big problem.’
‘The number of visitors is great, but it also concerns us,’ says Van der Linden. ‘It shows that many people are vulnerable to this fraud. Notably, the majority of visitors are over 55 years old.
Warning for Consumers
The fake website pakjedealsnu.nl appears to be a reliable webshop offering gadgets and electronics at low prices. There are positive “customer reviews” to gain buyers trust. Only when someone tries to make a purchase does the warning appear that it is a fake webshop. Then follows an explanation of the risks of online fraud.
Media Attention
More than seven thousand people have viewed the warning video featuring a police officer. Media attention, such as interviews on radio and TV, has led to widespread awareness. Many consumers appreciate the initiative. Van der Linden: ‘I was afraid of negative reactions. Fortunately, the feedback was positive. People found it educational and different.’
‘There were clues on pakjedealsnu.nl that it was a fake webshop,’ explains Van der Linden. ‘People could have checked the Chamber of Commerce number and the address, which were from the police. There are other things you can check to see if a webshop is trustworthy.’
Follow-up Plans
The site pakjedealsnu.nl was developed in collaboration with Capgemini. This company has extensive experience with government organizations. The fake webshop was developed free of charge to raise awareness about cybercrime. The campaign is over, but the site will remain online. Van der Linden: ‘Police staff want to use the site for educational purposes, such as recognizing fake webshops. Others want to use the site for carnival and local products, but focused on warning about fake products.’ They are also exploring how the site can continue to function for consumers.
How to Recognize a Fake Webshop?
You can recognize a fake webshop by several signs. Unrealistically low prices are a warning. Check the company details, such as the Chamber of Commerce number. This can be done through the Chamber of Commerce. Do not blindly trust reviews on the webshop itself, but look for independent reviews on platforms like Trustpilot. Certification marks can be verified through the official certification website. Also, pay attention to the URL: fraudsters often make small adjustments. So always check before you order. Click here for more tips on how to recognize fraudulent webshops.