Federal government launches action plan to combat online fraud - Belga Share

The government is working with banks, telecom operators and online platforms to detect and stop fraud more quickly. "We are bringing all the relevant partners together and setting out who will take which steps. This will help us identify fraud sooner, prevent people from losing their savings and punish the criminal networks behind this type of scam," Beenders said.

Quintin added that the government "will not give fraudsters a moment's peace". To stop fraudsters, itsme will get extra security, and protection against phone numbers being taken over without permission ("SIM swaps") will be strengthened.

Expanded fraud detection

The Phish Nemo project, run by the federal judicial police and the Limburg public prosecutor's office, tracks down fraudulent websites and places warning pages on them. It will be expanded nationwide. The government also wants to identify fraud more quickly so it can intervene sooner.

A new reporting form on Safeonweb will let members of the public report suspicious websites, phone numbers, messages, and accounts. Banks will also be able to share information about potential fraud through a new secure platform called TILDA.

Faster response networks

To respond more quickly when fraud is detected, the government wants to strengthen cooperation with online platforms and telecom operators. The Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB) will serve as a central point of contact, gathering information about online fraud and passing it on to the appropriate contacts at social media platforms.

The telecoms regulator BIPT is also working with telecom operators and trusted partners to block or deactivate phone numbers used for fraud more quickly. Finally, the Justice department is developing a separate action plan to strengthen the police response.

A new national anti-phishing unit will pool information from different investigations to dismantle criminal networks more quickly. According to Beenders, Belgium is the first country in the European Union to introduce such a comprehensive plan. It will be reviewed every three months.