Online fraud recognition and evidence — how to protect yourself

Online fraud: a digital epidemic that can strike anyone

Online fraud is the most reported form of crime in the Netherlands. From fake webshops and marketplace scams to sophisticated romance fraud and crypto schemes, the methods criminals use to approach their victims are becoming increasingly refined. The Fraudehelpdesk registers tens of thousands of internet fraud reports annually, and the actual number of victims is likely many times higher as many people feel too ashamed to file a report.

What makes online fraud so dangerous is the apparent anonymity of the internet. Criminals operate behind false identities, use foreign servers and erase their digital traces. Many victims believe it is impossible to identify the perpetrator. Yet that is far from always the case. With the right investigation methods and digital expertise, it is often possible to identify the person behind the fraud.

A professional fraud investigation combines digital detection techniques with legal knowledge to collect evidence that is admissible for criminal charges, civil proceedings or recovery.

Common forms of online fraud

The Dutch Police regularly warns about new forms of cybercrime. The following methods are currently most prevalent:

• Marketplace and sales fraud where products are never delivered after payment
• Romance scams building emotional bonds before requesting money
• Phishing and spoofing via fake emails mimicking banks or government agencies
• Fake webshops offering products at suspiciously low prices
• Crypto fraud and investment scams promising unrealistic returns
• Helpdesk fraud where scammers pose as tech support or bank employees

The platform Veilig Internetten (Safe Internet) offers practical tips to recognise these forms of fraud before becoming a victim. But when the damage is already done, swift action is crucial.

Securing evidence: what you can do yourself

The difference between a case that leads to results and one that stalls often lies in the quality of evidence. If you have fallen victim to online fraud, it is important to take the following steps as quickly as possible:

• Take screenshots of all communication with date, time and sender visible
• Preserve payment receipts including bank statements and transaction overviews
• Record all communication channels used such as phone numbers and profiles
• File a police report for civil proceedings and insurance claims
• Report the fraud to the Fraudehelpdesk to help warn others
• Change your passwords immediately and activate two-factor authentication

These steps are essential but often insufficient to actually identify the perpetrator. That is where professional investigation makes the difference.

How SAJ Recherche traces online fraudsters

At SAJ Recherche, we have specialised digital investigation capabilities that go beyond what the average citizen or even the police can initially deploy. Our approach to fraud investigation includes:

• Digital analysis of IP addresses, domain registrations and payment routes
• OSINT investigation to map suspect identity and network via open sources
• Financial trail investigation following money flows to the ultimate recipient
• Network analysis connecting multiple reports and victims to reveal the organisation

All findings are documented in a report suitable for filing police charges, civil proceedings or a recovery request through the bank.

Practical example: romance scam via dating app

A woman from Utrecht province contacted SAJ Recherche after transferring substantial amounts over several months to a man she met via a dating app, who claimed to work abroad and repeatedly avoided meeting in person. Our analysis revealed his profile photos were stolen from an unsuspecting foreigner’s social media. Through OSINT and financial investigation, we traced the money flows to a network previously linked to similar romance scams. With our report containing concrete perpetrator information, the victim filed charges and the police launched a targeted investigation.

Do not wait too long — digital traces fade quickly

With online fraud, time is your enemy. Websites are taken offline, profiles disappear and financial traces are erased. The sooner an investigation starts, the greater the chance of a result.

Fallen victim to online fraud? Contact SAJ Recherche for a confidential consultation.