Is it a scam?
Fake parcel texts, fake bank calls, “hi mum” on WhatsApp… Spot scams and know what to do, with official Belgian advice.
Belzo cannot guarantee that a person or company is trustworthy. Our aim: to help you spot warning signs and know what to check.
Clicked a link, gave your codes or paid?
Call Fraudstop right away, 24/7. It's the same number as Card Stop. The faster you react, the better you're protected.
Check a situation
Answer 7 questions. Belzo shows you the warning signs, without ever giving a verdict.
Answer all the questions to see the result.
Still keep checking before you pay or give any information.
Be careful. Check who you're dealing with and the conditions before going further. Contact the organisation yourself, using its official number.
Don't pay, don't confirm anything and don't share any data. Check the situation before going further. Already done? Call Fraudstop right away on 078 170 170.
This test proves nothing: it helps you spot warning signs. Belzo does not replace the police, your bank or the authorities.
Warning signs
- It's unexpectedYou weren't expecting a parcel, a refund or a call from your bank.
- It's urgent or threatening“Last chance”, “your account will be blocked”, “fine”… Pressure is a scammer's first tool.
- You must click, scan or installA link, a QR code or an app to install “to fix the problem”.
- They ask for your codesBank codes, card reader response, itsme code, PIN, personal data.
- Confirming something you didn't startAn itsme or banking app confirmation you didn't request yourself.
- Something feels offStrange sender address, mistakes, vague greeting, unknown number.
What seems suspicious?
Choose where the message or request comes from.
Tap a case to see what to do.
Fake parcel text (bpost, couriers)
“Your parcel is held, pay €1.99 here.” The link leads to a fake site that steals your bank details.
What to do: bpost never threatens you and never asks you to pay via a link in a text. Track your parcel only on the official app or site.
Fake bank, fake itsme, fake Card Stop
An “adviser” calls about a “suspicious transaction” and asks for your codes, your card reader or to share your screen.
What to do: Your bank will never ask for your codes. Card Stop never calls you on its own. itsme never sends a link to “update” your account. Hang up and call the official number yourself.
“Hi mum, this is my new number”
A WhatsApp or text from a “child” or relative who lost their phone and urgently needs to pay a bill.
What to do: Call your relative on their usual number before paying anything, or ask a question only they can answer.
Fake tech support (Microsoft, Apple…)
Someone calls about a “virus” on your computer and makes you install a program to take control of it.
What to do: Microsoft or Apple won't call you out of the blue. Never let a stranger take control of your computer.
Fake “high-return” investments
Social media ads, crypto, a call from a “broker”: huge profits are promised, then the money disappears.
What to do: Never respond to an investment offer via social media, phone or email. Always check the company with the FSMA.
Fake police officer
A “police officer” calls in the evening: “a suspect had your details”, and asks for your codes or cards “to protect them”.
What to do: The police never ask for your PIN, bank details or cards. If in doubt, hang up and call 101.
Fake tax office, fake fine
A text or email announces a tax refund or a fine to pay quickly, with a link or QR code.
What to do: Check it yourself in MyMinfin (“My payments”), without clicking the link in the message.
Romance scam
A fake online profile builds a relationship for weeks, then asks for money for a trip, a medical emergency…
What to do: Never send money to someone you have never met in person. Talk to someone you trust.
Fake webshop, “too cheap to be true”
A social media ad leads to a shop with very low prices. You pay and nothing arrives.
What to do: Check that the site shows the company name, a physical address, an email and a company number. Beware of abnormally low prices and sites that only accept bank transfers.
A tow truck or tradesperson at home
Tow truck, locksmith, plumber, heating engineer… In an emergency, people agree quickly. The FPS Economy advises:
Before the work, ask for:
- the company name and its company number (KBO/BCE)
- the call-out price
- the labour price
- any extras (night, weekend, parts)
- the total price, confirmed in writing
During and after
- Any extra work or cost must be announced to you in writing before it's done.
- Never sign a blank work order or invoice.
- Keep everything: messages, quotes, invoices, receipts.
- You don't have to pay immediately: you can ask for an invoice. If the amount is higher than agreed, you can dispute it.
A gap like that is a warning sign, not necessarily a scam. Stop, ask for an explanation in writing and don't pay under pressure.
Find a verified towing service →My problem isn't solved →FPS Economy advice (FR) ↗Excessive price: your rights (FR) ↗
The 4 golden rules (Febelfin)
- Never give your bank codes by email, text, social media or phone.
- Never go to your bank's website or app through a link.
- Always type your bank's web address yourself.
- If in doubt, stop.
A bank, the police, itsme or a public service will never ask for your codes. Never call back a number given in the message: look up the real number.
Check before you trust
- Who is behind it?A name, a company, a physical address.
- Does the company exist?Look it up for free in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (KBO/BCE).
- Are the website and number the right ones?Compare with the official website or the organisation's page on Belzo.
- Is the price clear?A total price, in writing, before you commit.
- What am I confirming?Always read the itsme or banking app screen before you confirm.
Look up a company (KBO/BCE) ↗Find the real number on Belzo →
I'm unsure about a message
- Don't click anything and don't reply.
- Take a screenshot and send it to suspicious@safeonweb.be: the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium gets dangerous links blocked.
- Contact the organisation yourself, using the number on its official website or on Belzo.
- For an investment: check the company on the FSMA website.
I've been scammed: the steps
Call Fraudstop on 078 170 170
24/7. Fraudstop has your banking apps blocked through your bank. Fraudstop will never call you itself.
Alert your bank's fraud service
Every bank has a fraud service available 24/7.
Change your passwords
And have your phone or computer checked if you were made to install something.
Report it to the police
At your local police station. Bring a timeline, screenshots, and the account and phone numbers used. While waiting for your appointment, fill in the Safeonweb form.
Report it
Report the scam or suspicious practice to the FPS Economy via ConsumerConnect. It's free and can be anonymous.
Get support
It's not your fault: scammers are professionals. The police can refer you to psychological or legal help.
078 170 170Banks' fraud services ↗Safeonweb form ↗ConsumerConnect ↗Victim support (FR) ↗
In doubt?
Don't guess. Check.
Belzo helps you spot warning signs. Belzo does not replace the police, your bank or the competent authorities.
Sources: Fraudstop and Febelfin, federal police, Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (Safeonweb), FSMA, bpost, FPS Finance — checked on 01/10/2026. Emergency & useful numbers · How Belzo checks