Fraud information explained simply in the ‘ABC of Scams’

News article
Article tags:
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Detecting Financial Crime

Criminals constantly find new ways to deceive people. And these days, fraudsters are using an increasingly diverse range of technologies. This makes recognising fraud attempts ever more difficult. For the 2.6 million Dutch people who struggle with reading and writing, this is an even greater challenge. Complicated terms are used, such as ‘shouldering’ or ‘boiler room fraud’, and the explanations can be difficult for these people to understand. This makes it even harder for them to identify situations in which they might be scammed. To better reach this group, ABN AMRO, together with an expert in inclusive communication, developed the ‘ABC of Scams’ – an overview of the 23 most common types of fraud, explained in plain language, without jargon or complex terms. The ABC of Scams can be accessed on the ABN AMRO website starting today.

The initiative is part of a broader approach to making security – especially online – more accessible for everyone. Kathelijne Swaak, a fraud expert at ABN AMRO, states: “You can only recognise types of fraud if you know what they are and understand how fraudsters operate. It’s essential that everyone, regardless of their reading and writing abilities, has access to comprehensible information. The ABC of Scams explains the 23 most common types of fraud in simple language, because an important step in fighting fraud is making communication about it more accessible.”

Accessible security

Banks and the police are increasingly working together to combat fraud. One important aspect they emphasise is that clear communication is crucial. More than 200 ABN AMRO Help with Banking advisers will be using the ABC of Scams where necessary when talking to people, to arm them against scams.

As fraud terms are often complex (take ‘shouldering’, for example, and ‘boiler room fraud’) many people are vulnerable to scams. “The police and banks are expecting an increase in new forms of fraud, partly due to the rise of AI technologies," says Barend Frans, cybercrime expert at the Amsterdam Police. “Examples are deepfakes and voice cloning, where fraudsters can perfectly mimic someone’s voice using AI to extort money.”

Types of fraud in plain language

The ABC of Scams provides clear explanations of common and current types of fraud. Complex terms are explained step by step in simple language, supported by examples and practical tips. This helps people to better understand the risks and to recognise suspicious situations more easily. The ABC of Scams is an important step towards an inclusive approach to fraud education, aimed at arming everyone against the cunning methods of modern fraudsters.

The ABC of Scams can be accessed from today on https://www.abnamro.nl/nl/prive/abnamro/veilig-bankieren/index.html?pos=vku_veiligbankieren

The information is public and may be freely distributed.