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In a new , the Dutch Banking Association (NVB), Victim Support Netherlands, and police are calling on victims of "pig butchering" scams, which combine dating fraud with investment fraud, to break their silence.

Victims often lose significant sums — the authorities suggest the average loss is more than €25,000, with some reaching hundreds of thousands. 

Shame is proving a significant barrier to reporting, as victims feel embarrassed both by the financial loss and the emotional manipulation.

However, the authorities have stressed that this is a sophisticated crime and encouraged victims to come forward.

Reports to the Fraud Help Desk are rising, with cases expected to exceed 160 this year, although the true number of victims is believed to be far higher.

"Anyone can fall victim to this devious form of fraud," said Rebecca Smits, a representative of Victim Support Netherlands, in a media statement. 

"Feelings of guilt and shame are human, but it is still advisable not to walk around with this alone. It can cause you to no longer trust others and even lead to depression. You don't have to do it alone, support really helps you.”