More than 200 thousand victims of skimming or phishing

Last year, 1.5 percent in the Dutch population aged 15 years and older (more than 200 thousand individuals) fell victim to identity fraud while using ticket machines, cash dispensers or browsing the internet. The majority of victims reported the incident to the bank; a small part also notified the police.

Most victims highly educated

Last year, 1.5 percent in the Dutch population aged 15 years and older (an estimated more than 200 thousand individuals) fell victim to identity fraud while using electronic payment systems or browsing the internet. The crimes involved copying bank or credit cards while the victims were using ticket machines or cash dispensers (skimming) or the illegal interception of information regarding payments over the internet, for example by using hacked computers or fake websites (phishing or pharming). Twice as many highly educated as low educated people fell victim to these methods and more 25 to 65-year-olds than young people.  

Victims of identity fraud, 2012

Skimming more common than phishing or pharming

Seven in every ten people who have had identity fraud committed against them in 2012 were victims of skimming, so phishing and pharming are far less common. Eight in ten times, the fraud was committed in the Netherlands. In one in ten cases, the fraud took place while the victim was using a bank card, credit card or the internet outside the Netherlands. In the remaining 10 percent of cases, the location of the incident was unknown.

Victims of identity fraud by type of fraud, 2012 

Identity fraud reported by nine out of ten victims

Nine in ten victims of skimming or phishing report the incident to the authorities. Most victims report the incident to the bank or another financial institution. Fewer than 20 percent reported to the police in 2012. The willingness to report appears to be higher among older than among younger people.

Reported identity fraud by age, 2012

Math Akkermans