Civil-law settlement of online fraud
As an alternative to criminal proceedings, victims of online fraud can now engage a civil legal representative to recover damages from the perpetrator.
Centre of Expertise Cyber Security
In 2023, more than 9% of the Dutch population became a victim of online fraud, according to the CBS Safety Monitor. The impact of online fraud on victims is significant and extends beyond financial loss to emotional and psychological harm. Feelings of fear, shame, and a reduced sense of safety often persist long after the incident. Within criminal law, the chances of compensation for victims are limited. Outside the criminal justice system, victims of online fraud can pursue civil litigation supported by a bailiff, legal expenses insurer, or lawyer - to recover damages from the (alleged) fraudster. The number of victims pursuing civil litigation is expected to increase.
This underscores the need for greater insight into the civil-law settlement of online fraud, its consequences for victims, perpetrators, involved institutions, and society, as well as ways to mitigate potential risks. As such insights are currently limited, the Cybercrime & Cybersecurity research group at The Hague University of Applied Sciences has launched a research project, in collaboration with a consortium of practice partners, focusing on the civil-law settlement of online fraud.
Below is an overview of all sub-studies (in Dutch), including their status or expected delivery date.
Sub-studies
| Study | Content | Status |
| 1 | Practical implementation and legal basis of the civil-law settlement of online fraud | Download report |
| 2 | Knowledge and needs of (potential) victims of online fraud | Download report |
| 3 | Course of the civil-law settlement of online fraud (2021–2023) | In development |
| 4 | Victims’ experiences with the civil-law settlement of online fraud | Download report |
| 5 | Experiences of perpetrators/money mules with the civil-law settlement | In development |
| 6 | Impact of large-scale application for victims, perpetrators, and society | In development |
| 7 | Practical guidance for victims and other stakeholders | In development |
Research approach
This project is conducted in collaboration with a large consortium of practice partners. Research questions are addressed through desk research, interviews, surveys, registered data, and design-based research.
Project duration
2023 – 2026
Partners
Ministry of Justice and Security, Dutch National Police, National Reporting Centre for Internet Fraud (LMIO), National Association of Judicial Officers Bailiffs (LAVG), SODA, Aansprakelijkgesteld Nederland, Achmea Legal Aid Foundation, Horus, Consumers’ Association, Fraud Helpdesk, Victim Support Netherlands, and the Centre for Crime Prevention and Safety (CCV).
Commissioning organisations
Dutch National Police and Achmea Victims and Society Foundation.
Contact
- Susanne van ’t Hoff – de Goede: [email protected]
- Merel van Leuken: [email protected]