The Rotterdam police and the Public Prosecution Service started an investigation after a Rotterdam neighborhood officer recognized a number of youths posing as fundraisers. In this investigation, evidence was collected such as debit transactions and (bank) account numbers. The police also investigated the homes of the suspects and, among other places, a property on Vijverhofstraat in Rotterdam. There, collection boxes, card machines, and administration were seized. The suspects are currently still in custody. More arrests are not ruled out.

In various places in the Netherlands, donations were collected for the non-existent charity. This often happened near supermarkets and public transport stations, for example at Rotterdam Central. Using fake flyers and counterfeit badges, they approached passersby, asking them to donate money. Interested parties could pay in cash or by card. An estimated hundreds of thousands of euros were earned this way. The money was then transferred to personal accounts. The police have not yet recovered the money.

Fake Fundraisers Often Underage

The three main suspects worked with a large group of fake fundraisers, who were often underage. They are also guilty. The police are further investigating them.

Of every hundred euros collected, the fake fundraiser was allowed to keep a significant amount. If the fake fundraiser collected a higher amount, a bonus was even paid out. Higher amounts were also deducted from various donors. If a donor wanted to donate ten euros, a zero was often added on the card machine. The donor then unknowingly paid one hundred euros.

I Dont Trust a Fundraiser, What Can I Do?

In the Netherlands, charities are allowed to collect money. They often need a permit from the municipality for this. If you dont trust the collection or the fundraiser, do this:

  • Check if the charity is recognized by the CBF. This organization assesses whether charities are reliable. Ask the fundraiser for the quality mark or look up the charity in the CBF register. If the charity is in the register, you can trust that it has been thoroughly checked by the CBF.
  • Ask for identification. Recognized charities are required to provide their fundraisers with identification.
  • Check geefbewust.nl for the collection or recruitment schedule of the CBF. It states where and when collections are allowed. 
  • Do not donate via a mobile card machine. Charities recognized by the CBF only work with a sealed collection box and/or a QR code to a payment option on the charitys website.
  • See something suspicious? Report it! Call the police at 0900-8844 or 112. Do this preferably immediately when the fundraiser is still nearby. You can also contact the CBF helpdesk at 020 238 91 05. You can always refuse a collection.