Fake Tax Authority Letters Circulating Across the Netherlands
Letters pretending to be from the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration are popping up across the country. These fake messages look convincing, but they are not real and could lead to financial loss.
The Dutch Tax Authorities are warning citizens about realistic-looking fake letters that are currently being sent out. These letters often come in blue envelopes, mimicking the official look of real correspondence from the Belastingdienst. However, these fake versions usually include misleading content such as fake tax payment requests or incorrect bank account details.
A recent example includes a letter claiming the recipient owes €397.11 in taxes. The letter includes a QR code or payment instructions directing the recipient to transfer money to a bank account not associated with the Dutch government. In another case, a letter stated someone had to repay €52 for a recalculated healthcare allowance from 2015, using a non-government bank account number.
How to recognize a fake Tax Authority letter
While these letters can look almost identical to the real thing, there are a few key details to look out for:
Envelope: Real Tax Authority envelopes are fully blue with no white border. If your envelope has a white edge around it, it’s a fake.
Payment Requests: The Tax Authority never sends payment instructions via QR codes or asks for direct payments in a letter. Real payment details are only available through belastingdienst.nl.
Bank Account Numbers: The Tax Authority only uses ING Bank accounts. If the letter instructs you to transfer money to a different bank (such as a REVO account), it’s a scam.
Strange Names: A real tax letter will never ask you to send money to someone named “G. Belloit” or any other unfamiliar personal name.
What to do if you receive a suspicious letter
If you get a letter that you suspect is fake, you can help stop the scammers:
Take a photo of the letter and email it to valse-email@belastingdienst.nl.
Or mail the physical letter to:
Belastingdienst/Security Operations Center
Postbus 9050
7300 GM Apeldoorn
You will receive a confirmation if you send an email, but due to the high number of reports, you may not get further updates.
Examples of recent fake letters
A letter with the subject line “Outstanding amount” asking for €397.11 to be paid before a deadline.
A letter about a 2015 healthcare allowance refund, asking to repay €52 to a suspicious bank account.
Fake notices from the CJIB and Tax Authority requesting €40 for overdue tax and threatening further fees if not paid within 10 days.
Stay alert
Fake letters, emails, texts, and even WhatsApp messages are increasingly being used to scam people. Always double-check payment requests and contact the Tax Authority if you’re unsure. You can also find more examples of phishing attempts at Fraudehelpdesk.nl.
Remember: If you’re ever in doubt—don’t pay. Check, report, and stay safe.