Reporting cybercrime
Any form of cybercrime is punishable. For example, spreading viruses and other malware, phishing, identity fraud, invoice fraud, CEO fraud, and ransomware. Always report cybercrime to the police. You may also need to notify other organisations, depending on the type of cybercrime you are a victim of.
What should you do if you are a victim of cybercrime?
If you are a victim of cybercrime, it is important that you hold onto as much evidence as possible. For example, a fake invoice or screenshots of text messages. File a police report immediately. The police and the Public Prosecution Service can use your evidence to investigate the claim. Together with statements from others, it might be possible to combine information and provide insight into the way the criminals acted. The more information and evidence that there is, the greater the chance that the investigation will be successful.
Reporting cybercrime also makes it possible to recognise new cybercrime strategies and to adapt security software, antivirus programs, and systems. If you are insured against cybercrime and submit a claim for compensation, your insurance company will ask for a copy of the police report.
File a cybercrime report with the police
Call 0900-8844 or +31 (0)34 357 8844 to make an appointment to file a police report. You can also ask for the presence of a digital detective. This helps to make the statement as complete as possible. You will be asked for information based on the elements of the criminal offence, such as:
- Is it a declaration against a private individual or a company?
- Have security measures been taken?
- What is the estimated damage (in Dutch)? Consider, for example, the financial cost in terms of time, immaterial damage, and the repair costs.
- Is there a suspect?
Reporting a cybercrime to the police online
You can report a crime to the Dutch police online, but the forms to do so are in Dutch. If you do not speak Dutch well enough to fill in the forms online, make an appointment by calling 0900-8844. If you do speak Dutch or have someone to help you, you can report:
Reporting ransomware to the police
Self-employed entrepreneurs can also report ransomware incidents online to the police. This form is only in Dutch and it requires a DigiD account. Representatives of other businesses should make an appointment to report ransomware at a police station by calling 0900-8844.
Reporting identity theft
If your personal data has been misused (for example, a phone subscription in your name), you can report this to the Central Identity Fraud Disclosure Office (CMI).