ABN AMRO survey reports rising difficulty in identifying online shopping fraud

A recent survey commissioned by ABN AMRO reveals that seven out of ten Dutch adults find it nearly impossible to identify fraudulent online retailers. The findings, based on data from 1,079 participants, highlight a growing disconnect between consumer awareness and the sophistication of modern online scams, with 24 percent of respondents admitting to shopping at stores they did not fully trust in the past year.

The research identifies a distinct trend among younger demographics, particularly those under 30, who are more prone to taking risks due to time pressure and a focus on low prices over retailer credibility. Fraudsters are increasingly utilizing AI to create professional-looking websites that mimic legitimate brands, making visual inspection insufficient for security verification. Experts at the bank noted that even search engine rankings are being manipulated to appear trustworthy to unsuspecting users.

ABN AMRO is urging consumers to exercise increased caution as the Black Friday and festive shopping period approaches. The bank advises shoppers to scrutinize web addresses before proceeding to payment and to utilize verification services, such as Checkjelinkje, to validate links. The service has significantly expanded its data points since 2024 to better detect deceptive patterns.

Fraud expert Kathelijne Swaak stated that because scammers can now replicate almost any visual element of a store, the focus must shift to evaluating the offer itself. If a deal appears disproportionately favorable, it should be treated as a primary red flag. The bank maintains that in cases of persistent doubt, walking away from a transaction is the safest course of action.