Identity fraud surges in the Netherlands, current pace set to break record

The Dutch Central Identity Fraud Reporting Center (CMI) has received 6,767 reports of possible or confirmed identity fraud in the first nine months of 2025, nearly matching last year’s total of 7,115. At the current pace, the 2025 total is set to break the record.

August saw a peak of 1,119 reports, including 414 linked to a data breach at Clinical Diagnostics, which estimates cybercriminals accessed information on roughly 850,000 people. Most affected are women who participated in the national cervical cancer screening program.

“The majority of these reports reflect concerns about possible identity fraud, with some reporters indicating they have experienced consequences that point to actual identity fraud,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior. The center also fielded numerous questions from victims by phone and email.

CMI stressed that a data breach does not automatically lead to fraud and advised individuals to remain vigilant. “Never respond to requests via phone, text, or email for login credentials or financial information,” the spokesperson said.