Dutch municipality launches campaign to shield residents from rising digital crime
With over 6,500 daily victims of digital scams in the Netherlands, a local municipality is taking action. Tomorrow’s ‘Not Today, Really’ campaign offers free training, tools, and resources to help residents and businesses stay safe online and avoid falling prey to cybercriminals.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Victims in 2024 | 2.4 million Dutch people (6,500+ daily) |
| Youth affected (15-25) | 1 in 5 |
| Seniors scammed | 1 in 10 |
| Businesses targeted | 1 in 5 |
| Campaign date | April 2, 2026 |
| Activities | Breakfast session for SMEs, library training, school comics, senior tip cards |
| Organizer | Municipality of Hardenberg |
| More info | www.echtnietvandaag.nl |
Municipalities in the Netherlands play a key role in local safety initiatives, including digital crime prevention. They organize awareness campaigns, provide educational resources, and collaborate with national agencies to protect residents and businesses from cyber threats.
Read the full translated article below
Action Day Against Digital Crime
On Wednesday, April 2, the municipality will focus on the action day ‘Echt niet vandaag’ (Not Today, Really). The day has one key goal: to better protect residents and entrepreneurs against digital crime.
Why this action day?
Digital crime is becoming increasingly common. Think of fake bank calls, phishing emails, and computer viruses. Many people encounter these issues.
The figures show just how big the problem is:
- In 2024, 2.4 million Dutch people were victims. That’s more than 6,500 people per day.
- 1 in 5 young people (aged 15 to 25) fell victim.
- 1 in 10 seniors has been scammed online.
- 1 in 5 businesses has dealt with cybercrime.
Many people do not report these crimes, often out of shame. As a result, the actual number of victims is even higher.
Digital crime also has serious consequences. People feel less safe and trust others less. Criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so it’s important to take action in time.
What happens on April 2?
During the action day, various activities will be organized for residents and entrepreneurs:
- Breakfast session for entrepreneurs (SMEs) A meeting about digital security and how businesses can protect themselves.
- Training on safe internet use The Hardenberg Library is hosting a training session. Residents will learn how to stay safe online.
- Educational material for primary schools In the afternoon, Mayor Maarten Offinga will distribute a special ‘Donald Duck’ comic about digital safety. This material is intended for groups 7 and 8.
- Doubt card for seniors Seniors will receive a card with tips to help them recognize when something online is unsafe.
Stronger together against digital crime
With this action day, we aim to raise awareness among residents about the dangers on the internet. The better people know what to look out for, the smaller the chance they’ll become victims.
Want to know more?
Check out www.echtnietvandaag.nl.