Belgium Fuel Station Scam: 36 Victims Lose €22,000

A bank card can remain in your wallet while criminals use stolen card data to withdraw money. Police are investigating after 36 people lost more than €22,000 in a payment fraud case involving fuel stations in Belgium.

Two men have been arrested in connection with a bank card fraud investigation involving fuel stations in Schoten, near Antwerp, and Maldegem, in East Flanders.

According to the Antwerp Public Prosecutor’s Office, the suspects allegedly caused losses totaling €22,380.71 across 36 victims in just two days. The cases involved 22 victims in Schoten on March 21, 2026, and 14 in Maldegem the following day. Some of the stolen card data was reportedly used to withdraw money in London, United Kingdom.

The suspects, aged 49 and 34, were arrested in late August and remain in custody as the investigation continues. They have not been convicted, and the case is still under investigation.

How the Fuel Station Scam Works in Belgium

The suspected method is known as “shimming.” It involves interfering with a payment terminal to capture bank card data, which criminals can then use to carry out unauthorized transactions.

This means customers may pay for fuel as usual, put their cards away, and only discover the problem later when they check their bank accounts.

You do not necessarily have to lose your card or click on a suspicious link to become a victim. However, the exact method used in each transaction can vary, and investigators are still examining the case.

How to Protect Yourself When Buying Fuel

There is no guaranteed way to prevent every type of payment fraud, but a few simple steps can help reduce the risk.

• Check the payment terminal. Look for loose parts, unusual damage, or anything that seems out of place. If something looks suspicious, use another payment terminal and alert station staff.
• Cover your PIN. Shield the keypad when entering your code, even if nobody appears to be watching.
• Keep your card in sight. Do not hand it to strangers or let anyone distract you during payment.
• Check your bank account regularly. Look for unfamiliar payments, cash withdrawals, or transactions from places you have not visited.
• Keep your receipt. It can help you compare the amount charged with the cost of your fuel.

These precautions cannot guarantee protection against tampered payment systems. Staying alert and checking your account are still important.

What to Do If You Notice a Suspicious Transaction

If you find a payment or cash withdrawal you do not recognize, contact your bank immediately. Ask it to block your card if necessary and explain how to dispute the transaction.

In Belgium, you can also call Card Stop at 078 170 170, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to block a lost, stolen, or potentially compromised bank card. Report suspected fraud to the police and keep any receipts and bank records that may help with the investigation.

A temporary amount reserved on your card after using an unattended fuel pump does not automatically mean fraud has occurred. Some stations place a pre-authorization hold before the final fuel cost is known. If you are unsure about a charge, ask your bank to clarify it.

The key takeaway: Keeping your bank card does not always mean your card data is safe. Check your transactions, take suspicious activity seriously, and contact your bank as soon as something looks wrong.