In May 2025, the Dendermonde police department in Belgium initiated the ‘Sew-May-Not’ campaign to combat rising incidents of email fraud.

The campaign's primary objective is to enhance public awareness regarding the dangers of online scams, specifically targeting fraudulent emails that can deceive individuals and businesses.

Officials from the Dendermonde police are urging the community to carefully scrutinize their email inboxes for any signs of suspicious correspondence.

To facilitate reporting, residents who receive scam emails can forward them to the police at pz.dendermonde@police.belgium.eu, including the subject line “Naai-Mei-Niet.” This reporting mechanism allows the police to share actual examples of scams on social media platforms, including Facebook, thereby educating the public on how to recognize potential threats.

Beyond simply collecting reports of scam emails, the ‘Sew-May-Not’ campaign fosters a community-oriented approach, encouraging residents to look out for and report any questionable emails.

The police emphasize that by doing so, individuals can better identify common fraudulent strategies, such as investment schemes and phishing attempts.

The initiative aims not only to report scams but also to prevent future fraud, thereby safeguarding the interests of both citizens and businesses.

Police Chief Patrick Feys articulated the rationale for launching the campaign in May, pointing to the abundance of holidays during this month, which can lead to extended weekends.

According to Feys, scammers exploit these holidays, recognizing that individuals are less likely to report fraudulent activities promptly.

Delays in reporting give scammers additional time to perpetrate their schemes before victims can seek assistance from law enforcement or financial institutions.

While the ‘Sew-May-Not’ campaign emphasizes prevention, Chief Feys also highlights the importance of prompt action should an individual fall victim to a scam.

He advises that victims should contact the police as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours.

In cases where immediate appointments are unavailable, he encourages victims to still reach out, as timely communication can help mitigate further damage and provide valuable insights for the police.

The campaign underscores the critical balance between education and rapid response strategies to enhance public safety in the digital realm.

By informing citizens about the signs of email fraud and promoting a proactive reporting culture, the Dendermonde police aim to equip the community to confront and curtail online scams effectively.