Huge rise in reported trading fraud cases
Fraud Help Desk sees record holiday-period peak
For many people, the festive period is a time of happiness and warmth. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when online fraud becomes more common. Black Friday, St Nicholas Day and Christmas drive a surge in internet shopping, which cybercriminals cash in on. The Fraud Help Desk has been all too aware of the trend for some years. And, from the data for the period up to the end of October, it looks as if 2025 is going to set a record that no one wants: the highest ever peak in reported fraud.
Fraud Help Desk
The Fraud Help Desk is a public organisation that acts as the Netherlands’ national reporting hub for fraud incidents. Members of the public and businesses can contact the Desk to report fraud, to get advice, and to find information about the latest tactics used by scammers. The organisation collates reports, analyses trends and works with the police, the government and others to fight fraud and promote awareness. By bringing together the incoming reports, the Fraud Help Desk is able to give early warnings about new scams and advise on staying safe. The organisation also regularly shares data and trend information with its partners.
2 types of trading fraud
The Fraud Help Desk distinguishes 2 types of trading fraud:
Fraud via selling platforms such as Marktplaats, Vinted and Autoscout, where buyers or sellers can be tricked by fake accounts or misleading adverts.
Fraud via fake webshops: sites that look like reliable outlets, but are actually intended to scam unsuspecting internet shoppers.
As the operator of the .nl domain, SIDN’s main interest is in tackling the second type of fraud whenever .nl domain names are involved.
Reports up 35% in 2025
In its latest update, the Fraud Help Desk reported a 35 per cent rise in the number of trading fraud incidents reported in 2025 (to the end of October). The total amount lost by victims was said to be more than €1.6 million. And the anticipated holiday season peak is sure to add to those numbers. The following graph shows how 2025 compares with 2024.
Graph 1: cases of trading fraud reported to the Fraud Help Desk (source: Fraud Help Desk)
Scams particularly common in the automotive sector
The Fraud Help Desk is particularly concerned about fraud in the car trade. This year has seen a rise in reports from both consumers and traders. The main cause of concern is the size of the losses involved. In 2025, victims lost an average of more than €24,000, compared with €5,000 in 2024. As a result, automotive scams now account for 28 per cent of all the money lost to fraud on selling platforms.
Holiday peak
It’s likely that both the number of reported incidents and the losses incurred will rise sharply in November and December – the peak months for internet shopping. In the run-up to the festive period, scammers take advantage of shortages and the fact that buyers are often in a hurry and on the lookout for bargains. It’s a time when people may not check out webshops as thoroughly as they usually do. The Fraud Help Desk advises always making a few checks before buying from any unfamiliar webshop. Take a look at the presentation on fraudehelpdesk.nl, which includes advice in Dutch.
What does SIDN do about malicious sites?
As the operator of the .nl domain, SIDN takes a proactive role in clamping down on malicious websites that use .nl domain names. We continuously monitor for abuse and intervene against domain names that are being used for fraud. We also collaborate with organisations such as the Fraud Help Desk and the police to speed up fraud detection and tackle abuses. Want to know more? See sidn.nl.
Stay alert
By working together, we can make sure that the festive season is a safe and carefree time. Want to know more or report an incident? Visit fraudehelpdesk.nl.
