Deception involves inducing someone by deceit to hand over money or property. Fraud is an umbrella term for various forms of financial deceit.
Deception (art. 326 Sr)
Deception concerns the use of deceptive means to induce someone to hand over goods, provide services, or enter into obligations.
Methods of Deception
- Use of a false identity or position
- Deceptive tricks
- A web of lies
Penalty
Maximum penalty: 4 years' imprisonment or a fine of the 5th category
Types of Fraud
| Category | Article | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Deception | 326 Sr | 4 years |
| Bottle of Wine Trick | 326a Sr | 3 months |
| Insurance Fraud | 326 Sr | 4 years |
| Tax Evasion | AWR | 6 years |
| Benefit Fraud | Special legislation | Varies |
| Document Forgery | 225 Sr | 6 years |
Online Fraud
Internet fraud is a growing problem and is strictly prosecuted in Zoetermeer and beyond.
Examples of Internet Fraud
- Marketplace scam (payment without delivery)
- Phishing (fake messages to steal data)
- Identity Theft
- Cryptocurrency Scam
- Romance Fraud
Money Laundering (art. 420bis Sr)
Money laundering is the concealment of the illegal origin of money or assets.
Penalties for Money Laundering
- Intentional money laundering: maximum 6 years
- Repeated money laundering: maximum 8 years
- Culpable money laundering due to negligence: maximum 2 years
Frequently Asked Questions about Fraud in Zoetermeer
How do I recognize an attempt at deception?
Deception is often recognizable by offers that are too good to be true, urgent requests for money or data, and unknown contacts. Be cautious with advance payments and always verify the authenticity of the sender. Do not share personal information via unsecured channels.
What to do if you are a victim of fraud?
Report it to the police as soon as possible, online or at the station in Zoetermeer. Keep all evidence such as messages and receipts. Contact your bank to stop transactions and report the incident to Fraudehelpdesk.nl.
What distinguishes deception from fraud?
Deception is a form of fraud in which someone is harmed by deceit (art. 326 Sr). Fraud is broader and includes offenses such as tax and insurance fraud, which can affect both individuals and organizations.
How do I protect myself against phishing?
Be vigilant with unexpected messages requesting data. Always check the email address and avoid suspicious links. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for extra security.
What are the consequences of money laundering?
Money laundering can lead to a prison sentence of up to 6 years (or 8 years in case of repetition). In addition, it can cause reputational and financial damage, including the freezing of accounts.
Help and Advice in Zoetermeer
For legal support, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer. Cases are handled by the Rechtbank Den Haag, under which Zoetermeer falls.