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How to avoid job and housing scams

Most scams targeting people arriving in the Netherlands follow the same pattern: they ask for money or documents before you can check anything. These are the most common warning signs and how to protect yourself.

Warning signs in job offers

  • You are asked to pay in advance for the job, the contract or the accommodation.
  • You are not given a written contract, or you are asked to sign something you do not understand.
  • You are paid in cash without a payslip.
  • Someone keeps your identity document or your bank card.
  • The accommodation does not let you register with the municipality.
  • The agency is not in the Chamber of Commerce register or will not tell you its legal name.

Warning signs in rentals

  • You are asked to pay before seeing the property or signing the contract.
  • The landlord says they are abroad and asks you to send money, or offers to send the keys “by courier”.
  • The price is far below similar homes in the area.
  • You are asked for a copy of your identity document before any viewing or contract.
  • You are pressured to decide and pay on the same day.
  • You are asked for a deposit of more than two months' basic rent, or a fee for the landlord's agent.

Before you pay or sign, check

  • Look the agency or company up in the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) register and, if it claims a quality mark, in the SNA register.
  • Always get the contract and conditions in writing before paying or travelling.
  • View the home in person or on a live video call before paying anything.
  • Pay by bank transfer or get a receipt; never in cash or through money-transfer services.
  • Do not send a copy of your passport, BSN or bank details to anyone you have not checked.

If you think you have been scammed

  • Do not pay any more or send more documents.
  • Keep messages, adverts and proof of payment.
  • Tell your bank if you have paid.
  • Report it to the police and, if it is an employment problem, to the Labour Authority.
  • Get free guidance from Het Juridisch Loket or a Work in NL information point.

If any of this happens to you, contact the Labour Authority, a union or Het Juridisch Loket. In an emergency, call the emergency services.