Cybercrime is becoming more and more common, but few reports are still made. That is why the police recently started offering the possibility to report cybercrime offenses online. In the first instance, this concerns the possibility to report helpdesk fraud online, but this will soon be expanded to include Ransomware and other types of cybercrime.

Helpdesk fraud is a form of fraud in which criminals pose (often by telephone) as helpful helpdesk employees who supposedly want to help with a computer problem. Using this excuse, they gain access to their victims’ computers. Perpetrators can therefore steal personal information and data, but also gain access to user accounts, bank accounts or bitcoin wallets. Unfortunately, victims often find out too late that they have been scammed, causing great damage.

In 2017, about 1,900 cyber crimes were reported to the police, but in 2018 and 2019 that number was about 1,600 per year. This while the police indicate that cybercrime is becoming more and more common. The police therefore hope that the new online reporting option will lower the threshold and that it will encourage people to file more reports.

The options for filing a report online will soon be expanded to include other forms of cybercrime. For example, the option to report Ransomware online will be added next.

File a declaration online

Online reporting of cybercrime such as helpdesk fraud can be done via the website of the police. If there is sufficient reason and evidence, the police can start an investigation, but it is also important to file a report if an investigation cannot be started immediately. Information from reports is collected and analysed, so that the police are better able to track down perpetrators or set up prevention campaigns.

Besides help desk fraud, there are many other forms of internet scams. Scammers pose as a ‘ broker ‘ or other expert, among other things. With fake advertisements, websites, active telephone contact and promises of mountains of gold, they try in all kinds of ways to convince victims to transfer bitcoins to them. Read more about these types of scams here.

Click here to go to the police fraud helpdesk fraud reporting page.