Victims of Digital Fraud Can Now Report Incidents from Home

By Netvora Tech News

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The Dutch police have announced that victims of digital fraud can now report incidents from the comfort of their own homes. This approach, which was already being used in eastern Netherlands, is now being rolled out nationwide. The decision was prompted by the realization that victims of bank help desk fraud or other online scams were being asked to report the crime online, often immediately after being scammed. "I often compare it to someone who has been mugged in a deserted alley," says Agent Remko Leeneman. "You wouldn't ask someone who's just been mugged to walk to the police station to file a report. No, we help them because they've experienced something horrific." Victims of fraud often feel ashamed, says Agent Sander Hoed. "When people are scammed, they often feel like they did something stupid, like giving their PIN number to the fraudster." This shame can make it difficult for victims to come forward and report the crime. The new approach aims to address this by allowing victims to report incidents from home, without having to feel embarrassed or ashamed. In addition to allowing victims to report incidents from home, the police are also working to secure evidence, such as preserving the device used to commit the fraud. "Victims often feel like they're not safe online after being scammed," says Agent Leeneman. "By providing immediate support to victims, we hope to make a difference." The police in the Hague region have also decided to offer victims direct support at the scene of the crime. This initiative aims to make it easier for victims of digital fraud to come forward and report the crime, while also providing them with the support and resources they need to recover from the experience.