Government launches campaign against online deception
The campaign urges people in the Netherlands to wait three seconds before clicking, responding or paying.
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The ministries of Justice and Security and the Interior and Kingdom Relations launched the ‘Laat je niet interneppen’ campaign on Monday. It follows research showing that many people in the Netherlands recognise suspicious messages but still sometimes click on them.
According to the Dutch government, 94 per cent of people in the Netherlands aged 18 and over sometimes question the reliability of a link, advert or message. More than four in ten respondents also say they have regretted clicking at some point.
The research was carried out among 1,578 adults between 23 and 28 September. Of those who reported regretting a click, 45 per cent say they were rushed or distracted at the time. For 46 per cent, the feeling afterwards was that they had not looked carefully enough or had acted too quickly.
The campaign focuses on recognisable forms of digital deception, such as messages about parcel deliveries, offers, banking or government services. According to the government, criminals often try to create a sense of urgency or ask people to transfer money or share details immediately.
The central message is that people should give themselves three seconds before clicking on a link, responding or paying. The campaign also stresses that online deception does not only affect people with limited digital skills: according to police project leader Aad Lensen, the timing and circumstances are particularly important.
The research also shows that 55 per cent cite time pressure as a reason for not trusting a message. Yet a message may seem credible when someone is actually expecting a parcel or waiting for a payment. The campaign provides information on recognising, reporting and seeking help after online crime.
The figures describe behaviour and experiences, but do not measure whether the campaign will reduce the number of victims. The research is also based on self-reporting in a survey, so it has not established how many people actually lost money or personal data.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The government has launched a public information campaign against online deception.
- In a survey, 94 per cent say they sometimes question an online message or link.
- More than four in ten respondents say they have regretted clicking at some point.
Left
Arguments The emphasis should not be placed solely on citizens’ vigilance. Platforms, banks and companies should take more responsibility for misleading messages, fraudulent adverts and unsafe payment routes.
Values Collective protection, consumer rights and reducing power imbalances between citizens and large technology companies.
Consequences More rules and oversight could reduce exposure to fraud, but would bring additional compliance costs and potentially leave less room for legitimate communication.
Centre
Arguments Public information is useful, but should be combined with practical measures by banks, platforms and governments. Citizens should be able to slow down and check without making every digital action complicated.
Values Proportionality, practicality and shared responsibility.
Consequences A combination of a campaign, better reporting channels and technical security could help, although no approach will prevent all fraud.
Right
Arguments Citizens should bear primary responsibility for their clicks, payments and the sharing of data. The government can issue warnings, but should not regulate every digital choice.
Values Personal responsibility, freedom and restraint in government intervention.
Consequences A light-touch approach limits rules and costs, but may leave more risk with people who are deceived under pressure.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The campaign, date, research sample size and stated percentages appear on the official government webpage. The text makes clear that the research concerns self-reporting and makes no unsubstantiated claim about the campaign’s future effect.
- confirmed The ‘Laat je niet interneppen’ campaign was launched on 19 October 2026 by two ministries. — Mentioned on the Dutch government’s campaign webpage. source
- confirmed 94 per cent of the Dutch respondents sometimes question online messages or links. — Research finding as published by the Dutch government. source
- confirmed The research was conducted among 1,578 adults from 23 to 28 September 2026. — The research method and period are stated on the government webpage. source
Editor's note
The campaign and the research findings have been directly confirmed by the Dutch government. No independent evaluation of the campaign’s effect is yet available.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- NOS — „online oplichting”
- Het Parool — „online oplichting”
- Trouw — „online oplichting”