I was scammed through WhatsApp: what now?
What would you like help with?
Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Call your bank immediately after paying and preserve the chat before reporting it.
On this page
1. Verify the acquaintance
A fraudster may pretend to be family using a new number or a genuine hijacked account. Stop paying and verify independently through a known channel or in person. A profile photo, familiar name or urgent story does not prove identity.
2. Call your bank
If you paid, call your bank immediately using its official number. Give the recipient, account, amounts and times and ask what can still be stopped or blocked. Do not wait for a complete police report. Blocking or repayment is not guaranteed; do not pay extra to 'recover' money.
3. Save the chat first
Export the entire chat first and screenshot the profile, photo and number. Keep payment records and a timeline. Only then report the chat to WhatsApp: police warn it may disappear after reporting. Store the export securely; do not upload the full conversation here.
4. Choose the reporting route
Use the official online friend-in-need fraud report where applicable. Call 0900-8844 if reporting for someone else, your identity was used to defraud others, or your WhatsApp account was taken over and used for fraud. Those three situations cannot use that online route. The police preparation aid is not itself a report.
5. Follow up
Keep the police reference, bank correspondence and new facts. After reporting, you may request account-holder information through the bank subject to conditions; this is not unlimited access or guaranteed repayment. Seek advice on a damages claim. Ask for an interpreter or victim support if needed; victim rights do not depend on Dutch residence status.
6. Prevent recurrence
Warn the real acquaintance through a safe channel and secure any hijacked accounts. Limit public phone and profile details. Pay future requests only after genuine verification and checking the account number. Call 112 in immediate danger; send new fraud information to police and bank.
Can I always report online?
No. Not through this route when acting for another person, your identity is misused, or your WhatsApp account was hijacked for fraud. Call 0900-8844.
Documents to prepare
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
Unless saved in My overview: Your entries stay only on this screen. Download before leaving; closing or reloading clears them. Do not enter identity numbers, passwords or unnecessary personal details.
What do you still need for your next step?
Item 1 / 6 · Where do you stand with this item?
Full chat export before reporting
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
Your choices stay here. Use the buttons below if you want to save or download.
View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 6 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
Save and continue later
Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Full chat export before reporting
- Profile, photo and number screenshots
- Account, payments and times
- Personal loss or hijacked identity/account
- Bank contact and police reference
- Further loss, account security and support
Contact with a lawyer
You can use the chat and information without a phone number. A contact request requires a phone number, a verified email address and your wish for telephone contact. Our team assesses which partner fits your question. Data is shared only under the stated consent procedure. A partner or engagement is not guaranteed.
View the current application processSources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
Politie · Hulpvraagfraude ↗Politie · Slachtoffer ↗Politie · Aangifteroute en bewijsvolgorde ↗Politie · Preventie ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.