Belgium introduces central Fraudstop hotline and guidance on unpaid telecom bills

Febelfin and the Belgian government have launched a new centralized contact point called Fraudstop for victims of online banking fraud or phishing. The service uses the existing Card Stop number 078 170 170 and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers are instantly transferred to the anti‑fraud department of their own bank, allowing immediate blocking of cards and mobile‑banking apps. Fraudstop will never initiate outbound calls; any unsolicited call claiming to be from Fraudstop is a scam.

Telecom operators in Belgium follow a defined procedure when customers miss a phone or internet bill payment. A first reminder is free, while subsequent reminders may cost up to €10 each. If payment is still not made, the provider can switch the subscriber to a "minimum service" that restricts calls to emergency numbers and limits internet usage. Consumers can request payment plans, negotiate tariff changes, or dispute the charge. Persistent non‑payment may lead to contract termination, with the debt still enforceable and possible additional fees. Expert Kristof van Ostaede advises customers to monitor invoices closely, consider cheaper tariffs, and act proactively to avoid service restrictions.