Launch of Fraud Scanner by Internet Police to tackle online fraud in the Netherlands

NATIONWIDE – In recent years, the Netherlands has seen a significant increase in online fraud, with statistics showing an alarming trend: 2.2 million Dutch people fall victim to various forms of internet crime every year. This has not only led to financial losses but also to significant emotional damage among the population. Amid this increasing threat, after years of careful development and an extensive testing phase with 1,000 beta users, Internet Police has launched an innovative solution: the Fraud Scanner. This tool is designed to alert users to potentially unsafe websites in real time, using extensive databases and trustmarks that identify untrustworthy web locations.

Statistics from Statistics Netherlands underline the growing problem of internet fraud, with more than 15% of the Dutch population over the age of 16 having fallen victim in recent years. This problem is not limited to financial damage; About a third of those affected also experience psychological consequences, meaning that the impact of online crime goes beyond just the material.

Co-founders of Internet Police, Mike Lammerts van Bueren and Nick Steenland, have reinforced their mission to protect Dutch people against online fraud by introducing the Fraud Scanner. This tool, now available for free to everyone, uses advanced technology to provide what’s called a real-time trust score. This score determines within milliseconds whether a website is safe, making it a significant step forward in the fight against internet fraud.

The need for such technological solutions is further highlighted by research from the University of Twente, which shows that the financial and emotional damage caused by fraud continues to increase, with an estimated damage of €2.75 billion in 2020. This research also highlights the links between scams and fraud and other crimes such as hacking, threats, and intimidation, which often follow the initial act of fraud.

The launch of the Fraud Scanner, supported by cybersecurity experts and a successful beta phase, is a crucial step forward in providing a safer online environment for Dutch people. By making this tool widely accessible, Internet Police aims to raise awareness and empower individuals to protect themselves against the ever-changing threats of internet fraud.

Free app
Last December was the kick-off of the beta phase after a successful meeting with cybersecurity experts including Pieter Cobelens, who is committed to digital security. From now on, the Fraud Scanner can be downloaded by everyone. The app is free so that everyone can be safe online.