Online crime hit 2.4 million people in Netherlands last year, CBS finds
In 2024, 2.4 million people aged 15 and older in the Netherlands reported being victims of one or more types of online crime in the past year. This marks a significant increase from 2022, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). The national statistics office surveyed over 33,000 people for its Online Safety and Crime 2024 report, released this week.
The rise in online crime is largely attributed to an increase in online scams and fraud. Nearly 10 percent of the population was affected by online fraud in 2024, particularly through purchase fraud, which impacted 7 percent of people. Despite these alarming figures, fewer people were victims of hacking, with the percentage falling from 4.6 percent in 2022 to 3.9 percent in 2024. Online threats and intimidation, including cyberbullying, online stalking, and "shamesexting," affected 4 percent of the population.
The CBS study highlighted that online crime is most prevalent among younger people, with 20 percent of those aged 15 to 25 reporting victimization, compared to just 10 percent of those 65 and older. The gap between younger and older individuals was especially notable in cases of online threats and intimidation.
Emotional and psychological impact
While the number of victims was fairly consistent across genders and education levels, the emotional and psychological effects of online crime were more pronounced among those affected. Among victims of online crime, 37 percent reported a loss of trust in people, while 30 percent felt less safe. Other common psychological effects included sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety, though these were less frequently reported. Victims of online threats and intimidation were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and re-living the traumatic event.
Online fraud victims, in particular, reported losing trust in others, with 42 percent citing it as a consequence of the crime. Feeling less safe was another frequent response, especially among victims of online threats and intimidation.
Almost half of the victims—48 percent—reported their online crime incidents to the police or another relevant authority. Of these victims, 18 percent contacted the police directly, with 16 percent filing an official report. Many victims reached out to alternative organizations or individuals, including online crime reporting services or professional support like counselors, teachers, or even family members.
The report also revealed that hacking-related incidents were the least likely to be reported to authorities. Only 12 percent of hacking victims contacted the police, with just 10 percent filing a formal complaint.
