Cybercriminals Defraud Nearly 50 Million Euros in Belgium

Cybercriminals in Belgium managed to steal nearly 49 million euros through phishing schemes last year, according to a report published by the Belgian banking federation Febelfin in collaboration with the research agency Indiville. The findings highlight that public awareness about online scams is still lacking, and that fraudsters are constantly developing more advanced techniques. While banks have prevented and detected many fraudulent transactions, the total losses remain worryingly high.

The report also emphasizes a noticeable trend: fraudsters are becoming more adept at convincing individuals to transfer money themselves. Many phishing attempts now start with what appear to be trustworthy phone calls, professional-looking websites, or urgent requests from commonly used apps. In a recent survey, 13 percent of Belgian respondents said they had fallen victim to phishing scams. Notably, younger people seem to be the least informed about these dangers.

To address the growing threat, the Belgian Cyber Security Center has launched Safeonweb.be, a platform offering practical advice for avoiding online scams. Additionally, a browser extension featuring a color-coded rating system was introduced to help users assess website security. Febelfin stresses that boosting digital resilience and increasing awareness campaigns, especially among youth, are essential steps to combat digital fraud.