Research by the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) reveals that approximately 25,000 entrepreneurs in the Netherlands were defrauded over the past year. The KvK suggests that business owners can take more proactive steps to prevent fraud.
Incidents include payments for goods that were never delivered. Edou Ritsma, fraud prevention project leader at the KvK, highlighted on NOS Radio 1 that many entrepreneurs unknowingly conducted transactions with entities not registered in the commercial registry.
Although it has not been determined if there is an increase compared to the previous year, Ritsma considers 25,000 cases alarming, especially since fraud can severely impact small businesses. He advises entrepreneurs to verify the background of new clients through resources like the commercial register, inquire about the company’s duration, and confirm who has the authority to conduct business and sign contracts.
Additionally, asking for initial payments or full payment upfront before delivery can be effective. Ritsma suggests starting with small orders for new clients and gradually increasing as trust builds.
Currently, only one in five entrepreneurs takes measures against fraud, which the KvK deems insufficient.
Source: NOS