In Westland, residents can easily fall victim to phishing and online fraud, particularly amid the increasing digitalization in our region. Fortunately, your bank reimburses the damage in many cases, but prevention remains essential for Westland households.
Why Phishing Poses a Risk to Westland Residents
Phishing is a form of cyber fraud where scammers attempt to obtain personal information through various channels, such as:
- Fake emails resembling messages from local banks or the Tax Authority
- Fake calls with a Dutch accent
- Fake websites mimicking local providers
- SMS messages (smishing) about package deliveries in Westland
Recognizing Warning Signs in Westland
Stay alert for these red flags to protect yourself:
- Sudden, urgent messages about local matters like taxes or municipal services
- Requests to log in to accounts or share personal details
- Suspicious email addresses or links that do not lead to official Westland sites
- Language errors, such as incorrect Dutch spelling, or unusual layouts
What to Do If You're a Victim in Westland?
- Immediately call your bank to block the transaction
- Change all your passwords and enable two-factor authentication
- File a police report, for example via the Westland police station
- Report the incident to Fraudehelpdesk.nl and contact Het Juridisch Loket Westland for free advice
Reimbursement of Damage by Your Bank
Banks in the Netherlands, including those in Westland, typically reimburse fraud losses, except if:
- You have been grossly negligent, such as ignoring warnings
- You shared your PIN code or login details with third parties
- You were warned multiple times but took no action
Fraud via Fake Webshops and Purchases
If you make a purchase in Westland from a fake webshop:
- Used your credit card? Request a chargeback from your bank
- Paid with iDEAL? This is more complex; contact your bank for assistance
- Consider filing a police report and consult Rechtbank Westland or Gemeente Westland for dispute support
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.