Online fraud: raise the alarm, prevent the harm
28 April 2026 - 5 min Reading time
Belgians are more reluctant to talk about online fraud than about a home burglary – and that is a cause for concern
New research by Febelfin shows that shame remains the biggest barrier to talking about online fraud. Young people in particular tend to remain silent, even though openness is precisely what can protect others. With its new awareness campaign “Make some noise, share your online fraud story”, Febelfin aims to break that taboo.
Febelfin – National survey on financial and digital literacy 2026, conducted by IndiVille (January–February 2026, n = 2,132) on behalf of Febelfin.
Online fraud too often remains a silent story
Online fraud affects both young and old, yet talking about it is far from self-evident. As many as 64% of Belgians would feel ashamed if they were to become a victim of online fraud, compared to just 20% in the case of a home burglary. This difference is also reflected in behaviour: only 36% would share an experience of online fraud with a wider circle, compared to 60% for a home burglary.
Febelfin – Nationaal onderzoek financiële en digitale geletterdheid 2026, uitgevoerd door IndiVille (januari–februari 2026, n=2.132) in opdracht van Febelfin.
“Online fraud remains taboo: 64% would feel ashamed if they became a victim.”
“People experience a certain sense of embarrassment when it comes to online fraud: that feeling perpetuates silence. But it is precisely that silence that makes others more vulnerable. Breaking the taboo is important, because by talking about it you are actually warning others about fraud”
Young people remain silent the most
The research also shows a worrying generational gap. Young people (aged 16–30) experience more shame, perceive a stronger taboo and are more reluctant to share their story. Strikingly, they are also more likely to believe that online fraud will not happen to them (27% compared to 14% in the older age group between 31 and 79). It is precisely this combination that makes them extra vulnerable: those who underestimate the risk and remain silent also fail to warn others.
Febelfin – Nationaal onderzoek financiële en digitale geletterdheid 2026, uitgevoerd door IndiVille (januari–februari 2026, n=2.132) in opdracht van Febelfin.
Why talking helps
At the same time, the research reveals a remarkably broad support for greater openness. Between 78% and 84% of Belgians are convinced that reporting incidents and sharing experiences increases self-reliance. Talking helps people recognise fraud more quickly, make better online choices and deal more confidently with risks.
“The challenge is therefore twofold. We need to break the taboo and engage people more strongly. The willingness to listen and learn is clearly there. What is still needed is to lower the threshold for speaking up,”
adds Karel Baert, CEO of Febelfin.
Learning from nature: make some noise
To spark that conversation, Febelfin is launching a striking campaign on social media and as a public service announcement. At its core is a simple but powerful idea from nature: when birds sense danger, one bird starts chirping to warn the rest of the group.
In the campaign videos, Febelfin translates this phenomenon to our digital world. The message is clear: stay silent or chirp? Those who share their story can warn and protect others.
Featuring Philippe Geubels & Shauna Dewitt
The campaign is carried by short, accessible videos featuring Philippe Geubels (Dutch version) and Shauna Dewitt (French version). With their recognisable style, they break through the taboo surrounding online fraud and invites people to share their experience — in a way that many will find highly relatable.
Stronger together against online fraud
With “Raise the alarm, prevent the harm”, Febelfin calls on everyone to make online fraud a topic of discussion. Because the more stories circulate, the smaller the chance that fraudsters will continue to find victims.
