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.
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!
