The Dutch consumers’ association Consumentenbond has worked with banks to ensure more of the responsibility for internet banking fraud is placed with the banks’ clients, the Parool claimed this week.

The paper says after January 1 people who have lost money through internet fraud will have to meet five key conditions to qualify for a refund. If customers have not complied, banks will be able to refuse payment.

The Parool says the rules, which were introduced by the banks behind the scenes, have now been declared universal, thanks to the Consumentenbond involvement.

Secret code

Customers will have to show they have not lent their bank card to anyone else, have not left their pin number lying around and that their computer has proper security systems in place.

In addition, bank customers will have to check their accounts every two weeks and immediately report any ‘odd incidents’.

The Consumentenbond told the paper the aim of its involvement is to ensure consistency between the banks, who all operated their own rules.

Spokeswoman Sandra de Jong said the association is not operating on behalf of the banks. ‘We will keep a close eye on the banks to make sure they operate fairly,’ she said.