Dutch regulator warns consumers over gambling scam

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has issued a warning about a series of scam phone calls and emails seeking non-existent gambling debts from consumers.

Lootsma & Partners, Deurwaarder Smits & Co and Inter Payment Service have all been named as collection agencies that are contacting consumers over supposed debts, including some related to gambling.

“Reports show that the collection agencies mentioned are putting consumers under pressure to pay an outstanding bill. Often there is no agreement at all, so the claim is unjustified,” states Kansspelautoriteit in its media release.

The information has detailed that individuals have been contacted by the scammers either by telephone or email, with scammers urging customers to pay the supposed overdue payments – with the agencies in question emphasising that the debt emanated from a lottery or other game of chance.

The ACM has also said that none of the agencies is registered with the Chamber of Commerce, which is mandatory for all companies active in the Netherlands. They also don’t have the power to seize goods, with such action only possible through an official bailiff once approved by a judge.

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