Report fraud, abuse or confidential information
Fraud form
To report, you can use the online fraud form. You don't have to give your name (anonymous). Use the form anonymously if you are not reporting for a company or organisation. You will receive a letter (confirmation of receipt) with a reference number.
If you click the button, the online fraud form may not open immediately. In that case please click on 'Restart form'.
Upload documents
You can upload multiple documents with your report. These attachments must be files in PDF or JPG format.
Send notification by post
Is it not possible for you to use the online fraud form? Then send your report by post to the following address:
Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst
Attn. Handhavingsinformatieknooppunt (HIK)
Postbus 17
9560 AA Ter Apel
Report additional information
Did you report fraude or abuse? And would you like to add additional information? Then once again use the online fraud form. Under 'Subject', select 'Additional information for a previous report'. You will need the reference number of your previous report.
When to report to the IND
Examples of fraud and abuse
The following examples represent fraud, abuse or migration-related crime:
- Having a sham marriage or sham relationship to obtain a residence permit.
- Using false or falsified documents. For example, a false passport.
- Finance fraud. For example, using a fake employment contract. Or abuse of the Personal Care Budget (PGB).
- Labour exploitation, human trafficking or smuggling.
In the following situations, report fraud, abuse or confidential information to the IND:
- about a person in the Netherlands
- about a person who has yet to come to the Netherlands
- about a company in the Netherlands
- about a sponsor or a recognised sponsor in the Netherlands.
Is the person or company in another country? If so, contact the government of the country in question.
When to report to other organisations
Sometimes you do not have to report to the IND. In the following situations, you must report to another organisation:
- You are a victim of a crime. Report this to the Police.
- Illegal residence of one or more persons. Report this to the Police.
- Social assistance benefit fraud. Report this to the Social Security Fraud Department (in Dutch: Sociale Recherche).
- Tax fraud. Report this to the Tax and Customs Authority (in Dutch: Belastingdienst).
- Illegal labour. Report this to the Labour Authority (in Dutch: Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie).
You can also report anonymously on www.meldmisdaadanoniem.nl.
Handling of your report
The IND will assess your report as soon as possible. Is your report clear enough? And is there cause for an investigation? Then the IND will investigate.
The outcome of the investigation
Does the investigation reveal abuse or fraud? Then the IND can take action. Such as revoking the residence permit. Or rejecting an application. Does the IND establish a criminal offence, such as fraud or the use of false of documents (falsification)? Then the IND will report this to the police.
The IND does not share information
You will not receive any information about the consequences of your report. The IND is not allowed to share this with you. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) demands it this way. The GDPR (in Dutch: AVG) is a law regulating privacy in the Netherlands.
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More information
Do you have any questions about reporting fraud or abuse? Or are you unable to report using the fraud form or a letter? Then call 088 – 043 6663. We are available from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00.
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Phishing
What is phishing?
Phishing is a type of crime. Scammers pretend to be someone else to obtain your personal information and passwords. They send messages to your email address or phone. The message often includes a link to a specific website.
Examples of phishing
For example, you might be lured to a fake website that looks like a legitimate one. Through this fake site, they try to obtain your personal information, such as login credentials.You might also receive an email, WhatsApp message, or text message from an unknown number. The message asks you to check your account or bank details and asks you to confirm your information. The message might appear to be written to you personally. It might also include an attachment that installs dangerous software if you open it, such as file-blocking software. It might also ask you to pay a fee to regain access to your files.
Scammers often try to scare you by asking you to take immediate action. Or you might be asked to pay a certain amount of money immediately. Or you might receive a message that something is wrong with your account. And the scammer might tell you something you do not want will happen if you do not immediately do what they say. Always be vigilant and do not just do what they ask.
What can you do?
Always be alert. Especially if an unknown sender tries to contact you, or if a sender pretends to be from the IND. And beware of persuasive tactics. Make sure your computer's antivirus and firewall are up-to-date.Text Message
If you receive a suspicious text message, do not click on the link to the web page. If you do, you could potentially download malicious code onto your phone. Always check the sender of the message.Email
If you receive a suspicious email, pay close attention to the sender and check the email address. Do not just click on links in the email. And do not open any attachments. The IND never asks you to send personal information by email.If we do need your personal information, we will use My IND or Zivver. Zivver is a secure email program. Read more about secure emailing via Zivver .
Websites
Many phishing messages contain clickable links to a website. Does the link lead to a website you do not recognise? Check the web address. Often, the web address of imitation websites is incorrect. They may contain spelling errors, for example.Logging in
Do you suddenly have to log in differently than how you usually log in? Do not log in and close the page.Evolving forms of fraud
Scammers are constantly coming up with new methods. So they might be trying something you are not familiar with. Are you unsure if a message is actually from the IND? Contact us.More information
Do you think you may be a victim of phishing? Please call 088 043 04 30. We are available Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00.