Online investment fraud cost Belgians almost €15 million in the first half of 2025, according to new figures from the FSMA. False trading and crypto platforms are particularly responsible for the damage: a good €12 million was stolen through these channels, which is three times more than in the same period last year.
Online investment fraud cost Belgians almost €15 million in the first half of 2025, according to new figures from the FSMA. False trading and crypto platforms are particularly responsible for the damage: a good €12 million was stolen through these channels, which is three times more than in the same period last year.
To warn citizens, the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB), together with the FSMA, Febelfin, FPS Economy, the Cyber Security Coalition and the police prevention services, is launching a major awareness campaign via Safeonweb. The campaign coincides with both World Investor Week and European Cybersecurity Month, and emphasises the importance of digital vigilance.
Michel, a 71-year-old man from Ghent, thought he was investing in cryptocurrencies via an online platform. He started with €250 and received false profit updates. When Michel wanted to withdraw his money, it turned out to be blocked and he had to pay extra to get it back. In the end, Michel lost almost €300,000. ‘I thought I was doing the right thing and could help my daughter buy her flat, but now I have nothing left.’
Gisèle, an 80-year-old woman from Brussels, thought she was investing on a reliable platform (mainly because she was convinced that it was the king who had recommended it on social media). She started with 250 euros, but soon realised that something was wrong. However, when she wanted to stop paying, the scammers started harassing her with dozens of phone calls and emails a day. ‘My family can tell you that I am a sensible person with my head on my shoulders, but scammers manipulate you and don't give you time to think.’
Facts and figures
- 15 million euros stolen in the first half of 2025
- Average loss per victim: €37,777
- 1,289 reports to the FSMA in 6 months, just the tip of the iceberg
- 2 out of 3 victims are men aged 50+
- New trend: fraud via recovery rooms and social media
Campaign image: Bill, the purse
The campaign tells the story of Bill, a well-filled purse who enthusiastically invests in a fake platform. In the end, he is literally penniless. The advert is being broadcast on television, in cinemas and online. who enthusiastically invests in a fake platform. In the end, he is literally broke. The advert is being distributed via television, cinema and online.
The campaign is shared annually by hundreds of partners, which means it will also be visible in public services, schools, banks and on the streets.
Together, we can outsmart fraudsters!