How to avoid getting scammed as an international in the Netherlands

Moving to a new country is challenging enough as it is, so we don’t need to add getting scams to our worries. We’ve made a list of quick things to keep in mind to stay smart and avoid getting scammed in the Netherlands.

If you’re an expat or an international student, learning how not to get scammed is vital. Even though the Netherlands is considered a safe place, foreigners easily fall prey to scammers.

That’s why it’s important to be mindful of certain things.

How not to get scammed in the Netherlands: burglary

If you’re a student studying in the Netherlands, the chances of falling victim to burglary are quite high.

Unfortunately, student accommodations are very “social” places, where random people enter and exit throughout the day. Sometimes these random people are burglars.

One way to ensure you stay safe is by having a key and a working lock for your room. Whenever you go out, hide your most valuable possessions in a secret spot. 

A random person walking around has a small chit-chat to see if there’s anything suspicious (if they’re actually burglars, best-case scenario, you’ll spook them out).

And if you want to be extra safe, you can always ask your landlord to install an anti-burglary strip.

How to avoid bicycle theft in the Netherlands

Ah, yes — the most common form of crime in the Netherlands!

Everyone who has lived in this flat country has gone through the heartbreak of having their bicycle stolen at least once.

Unfortunately, this is usually inevitable no matter how many locks you put on your bike.

READ MORE | Guide to buying your first bicycle in the Netherlands (from a veteran international)

Thankfully, there are always steps you can follow to reduce the risk of that happening. 👇

Make sure you invest in a reliable (and usually expensive) lock. Heck, buy two!
Make sure to attach both your frame and your wheel to a fixed object, like a bicycle rack.
Park your fiets at a designated bike parking whenever you can — most have cameras.
Lastly, check if your bike has an identification code and take a photo of it (or write it down). That way, if it gets stolen, you can provide that number to the police so that they know it’s yours if they find it.

Fencing bicycles

You’re still recovering from the heartbreak of having your last bike stolen. Then suddenly, a somewhat sketchy dude offers you this amazing bicycle for a super low price.

It’s as if the universe has seen your sorrow and offered a solution to your problem. But not too fast! If the bike is great but too cheap, chances are it was stolen.

Do not buy it! If you do, you might be charged with peddling stolen goods. You will not only get a fine, but you will also end up with a criminal record.

And who wants the trouble for a bike you didn’t even steal yourself? Meanwhile, the guy that sold it to you is rolling in cash. 💸

If you want to buy that amazingly cheap bike, check if the product is registered as stolen on Stopheling.nl.

How to avoid a housing fraud scam in the Netherlands

Unfortunately, the Netherlands is currently experiencing a shortage of student housing.

This has resulted in many students desperately looking for accommodation in a short period. This is when all the scammers come in.

If you see a posting about a room in perfect condition and at a perfect location but also a very low price — chances are it’s a scam.

Most of the time, students get asked for the deposit ahead of time and never get the key to that amazing room.

Unfortunately, this scenario happens way too often, but there are a couple of red flags you can look out for. 👀

How to avoid an identity fraud scam in the Netherlands

Always be mindful of sharing your personal information with people (who might be offering you a pretty good room, for example).

READ MORE | Registration in the Netherlands: the complete guide for 2024

Often scammers in the Netherlands will ask you for a copy of your ID, passport, or driving licence so that they can commit identity fraud. This allows them to open accounts or buy things in your name.

In the chance that you do need to send your personal information to someone, then cross out identifying information such as your BSN (burgerservicenummer, meaning your citizen service number).

If you’re unsure what kind of documentation actually matters in the Netherlands, there is a checklist of important documents you must have with you as a resident.

How to avoid an internet, gas and electricity scam

Once you’ve moved to the Netherlands, your landlord often already has internet, gas and electricity sorted out for you.

READ MORE | Utilities in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide to gas, electricity, and water

However, in some cases, you have to choose your provider for either one or the other.

This is when some sketchy companies may start approaching you, offering you better prices than the more “popular” providers.

Unfortunately, many expats fall prey to these scams, ending up with utility bills worth thousands of euros. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you do your research before signing up with any company.

Just remember the age-old saying: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Have you ever fallen prey to any of these scams? Tell us in the comments below!