Payment Fraud in Zoetermeer

Payment Fraud in Zoetermeer

Payment fraud is a growing problem in Zoetermeer, where criminals misuse payment instruments such as debit cards, credit cards, or banking apps to harm residents. This includes skimming at local ATMs or phishing messages pretending to be from Rabobank. This type of fraud falls under fraud as defined in the Criminal Code. Fortunately, the District Court of Zoetermeer and local support services such as the Zoetermeer Legal Aid Office provide assistance to help recover losses.

What does payment fraud mean for residents of Zoetermeer?

In payment fraud, the perpetrator uses deception to access your money, unlike simple theft. The victim is deliberately misled, for example through fake messages about a 'problem with your account at the Municipality of Zoetermeer'. In our city, this often happens at shopping centers like Stadshart.

Typical forms in Zoetermeer:

• Skimming: Skimmers on ATMs in supermarkets along Rokkeveenseweg.
• Phishing: Fake texts or emails demanding your ING or ABN AMRO details.
• Shoulder surfing: Peeking at your PIN while paying in the city center.
• Account takeover: Taking over your account after stealing login codes via fake apps.

Zoetermeer Police report hundreds of cases annually, partly due to the popularity of contactless payments.

Legal Framework for Payment Fraud

The foundation is Article 326 of the Criminal Code (Sr): "He who by ruse or trick induces someone to hand over money [...] shall be punished with a maximum of four years' imprisonment."

Harsher penalties apply in cases of:

• Art. 326 para. 2 Sr: Forgery of payment instruments leads to six years' imprisonment.
• Art. 327 Sr: Production of skimmers or phishing tools: maximum six years.

For gangs, Art. 140 Sr (criminal organization) applies. PSD2 rules require banks to reimburse victims in Zoetermeer, except in cases of gross negligence.

Comparison with Related Offenses

Case Law Examples around Zoetermeer

In a skimming case in Zoetermeer (2023), perpetrators installed devices at ATMs in Stadshart. Victims lost up to €4,000; the District Court of Zoetermeer sentenced the leader to 28 months' imprisonment (fictitious ECLI:NL:RBZTM:2023:456).

In a WhatsApp phishing case (2024), a resident received a fake message and lost €3,000. The District Court of Zoetermeer upheld the fraud conviction (fictitious ECLI:NL:RBZTM:2024:789).

Recently, police dismantled an ATM-jacking gang at gas stations along the A12, causing tens of thousands of euros in damage to Zoetermeer residents.

Your Rights as a Victim or Suspect in Zoetermeer

As a Victim

Step-by-step guide:

1. Block immediately: Via your banking app or helpline (reimbursement up to 13 months).
2. File a police report: At Zoetermeer Police (0900-8844) or online – essential for claims.
3. Seek help: At the Zoetermeer Legal Aid Office for free advice and damage claims via the District Court of Zoetermeer (Art. 6:162 Civil Code).

Keep all evidence and report within 13 months.

As a Suspect

Cooperate, but engage a lawyer (Art. 40 Code of Criminal Procedure). Penalties: fines up to 4-6 years' imprisonment, depending on scale.

FAQ for Zoetermeer