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Is it a crime to ask for money with a fake bank text message? What should I do if I get one?

In short

Yes, fraud is a level 3 crime. If you get such a message, do not click the link, do not share codes or card details, and report the message.

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This rule in 59 seconds
Video transcript

A text from 'your bank': your account is blocked, click the link. Not allowed: Taking money with a fake message is fraud: a level 3 crime. A bank never asks for codes or card details by text. The right way: Do not click the link or share codes. If you gave details, call Card Stop and your bank at once. For the fraudster: Fraud: 3 – 5 years prison; Vulnerable victim: 5 – 10 years prison; Card Stop: 078 170 170.

What is not allowed, what is required?

  • Getting money or another economic benefit by deceiving someone is fraud (art. 479, level 3). If the victim is a child or a vulnerable person (for example, older or ill), it is level 4 (art. 480).
  • Your bank never asks for your PIN code, card details or confirmation code by text message or phone. Do not click the link.
  • Forward suspicious e-mails to verdacht@safeonweb.be. You can also send a screenshot of a suspicious text message to the same address. You get an automatic confirmation, but no personal reply.
  • If you have shared your details, call Card Stop (078 170 170; from abroad +32 78 170 170) and your bank immediately, then make a complaint to the police.

Penalty and indirect consequences

PENALTY NOTICECriminal Code, level 3
Fine / payment
At level 3 the main penalty is prison. The judge can also add a fine of 200 € – 10.000 €; with surcharge multipliers, the amount you pay can be higher. If the judge accepts mitigating circumstances, they can give a lighter penalty (level 2 or 1, for example community service). The victim can also claim compensation.

Legal basis:Strafwetboek (W 29.2.2024) Boek Iejustice.just.fgov.be

Court / prison
Fraud is level 3: 3 – 5 years in prison; aggravated fraud is level 4: 5 – 10 years in prison

Legal basis:Strafwetboek (W 29.2.2024) Boek I, art. 36

What does this level mean? Criminal Code, level 3: 3 – 5 years in prison. All penalty levels →

What really matters: the indirect consequences

What do these terms mean?

Criminal record
The state register of convictions handed down by a court. The extract asked for a job, residence or nationality application comes from it. Municipal GAS fines are not entered in it.

All terms: glossary →

Why does this rule exist?

The rule protects trust in trade and money lent within families. Fraudsters especially target older people and people who do not know the language well; information is the best protection.

Where can you go?

  • Free first-line legal advice and pro deo lawyerA free or low-cost lawyer if your income is low
  • Justice HouseInformation and support for victims, accused people and convicted people (Justitiehuis / Maison de justice)
  • Emergency112 · Police 101
  • Social interpreterAt the municipality, the OCMW/CPAS, school and hospital, you can ask for an interpreter in your language; it is often free.

This site does not handle individual cases; it points you to the right service. All help addresses

Source and reliability

Official source
Source check
14 / 14 statements in an official source
Checked: 22.10.2026
Last checked
22.10.2026
Rules can change
Show the 14 checked statementsopen

The checked statements are in Turkish, as in the source text. This check does not replace legal advice.

General information, not legal advice. For your own situation, ask a lawyer or free legal aid. How was this information prepared?

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