Beware of the meterkosten scam
A widespread fraud scheme where scammers pose as plumbers in the Netherlands and deliberately target people in urgent situations. They know that when your toilet or kitchen is blocked, you just need someone there fast. Don't let the rush cost you hundreds of euros in fake charges.
What are 'meterkosten'?
Meterkosten means the plumber charges not by the hour, but per meter of drain pipe they claim to have worked on. This rate is never mentioned upfront. The more meters they say they had to reach, the higher the invoice. Since you have no way of seeing what happens underground, there is no way to verify it.
When these companies collect too many bad reviews, they simply disappear and relaunch under a new name and website. Expats are particularly at risk because they are less familiar with standard pricing in the Netherlands and less likely to question unusual line items on an invoice.
The scam step by step
You search for a plumber in a rush
Your toilet or kitchen drain is blocked and you need help fast. You quickly Google for the nearest available plumber. The top results are almost always paid ads from scammers who deliberately target people in urgent situations. They know that stress makes you less likely to read the fine print. Their ad does mention a callout fee and hourly rate, but meterkosten is never mentioned at all.
They arrive in an unmarked van and start work without any price discussion
They show up in an unbranded van and get straight to work, without giving you any cost estimate or updating you on pricing as the job progresses. They will explain what the problem is, but at no point do they mention what any of it will cost. They may also tell you that the municipality will cover the costs, since part of the work is on public ground. This is a lie.
The invoice: four to eight times more than expected
Once the work is finished, they hand you an invoice with a separate line item called 'meterkosten', typically several hundred euros. The total is usually four to eight times higher than what you would have expected based on the advertised rate. None of this was ever discussed or agreed upon.
Pressure to pay on the spot
They demand immediate payment, by card or cash, before they leave. There is no room for questions or dispute. The pressure is deliberate: they want you to pay before you have time to think it over or seek advice.
Warning signs
Do you recognize one or more of these signs? Be on high alert.
- 🚩Bad reviews on Google, Trustpilot or Werkspot
- 🚩Not willing to provide a written quote before work begins
- 🚩No KvK (Chamber of Commerce) or BTW (VAT) number on their website
- 🚩The company cannot be found on kvk.nl under the name they provided
- 🚩The invoice does not contain a company name, address or KvK number
- 🚩They refuse to send an invoice by email with the option to pay afterwards via iDEAL, which is exactly how legitimate plumbers in the Netherlands normally operate
How to protect yourself
Prevention is the best protection. Follow these steps.
Ask your neighbours for a trustworthy plumber
The best way to avoid scammers is to never search Google in a panic. Ask neighbours, friends or colleagues if they have a plumber they trust. A personal recommendation is worth more than any top search result.
Always request a written quote
Before any work begins, ask for a detailed written quote. A trustworthy plumber will provide this without hesitation. Never agree to verbally mentioned amounts.
Check the Chamber of Commerce register
Look up the company at kvk.nl. A legitimate business is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) with a valid registration number. Always ask for it.
Ask to pay afterwards via an invoice by email
Larger companies typically send the invoice by email after the job, with a payment link via iDEAL. Smaller companies or individual plumbers may hand you an invoice on the spot, which is fine. In either case, make sure the invoice contains a company name, address, KvK number, BTW number, and a clear breakdown of every cost before you pay anything.
Consult ConsuWijzer if in doubt
Unsure about a bill or feeling pressured? The ACM ConsuWijzer offers free, impartial advice on your rights as a consumer.
consuwijzer.nlWhat to do if you have been scammed
- 1
File a report with the police
Report the fraud to the police at politie.nl or by calling 0900-8844. Keep all receipts and messages, and note down the name and details of the scammer.
- 2
Report to ACM ConsuWijzer
The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) oversees fair trade. Report your experience via their website. Your report helps them identify patterns.
consuwijzer.nl - 3
Report to the Fraudehelpdesk
The Fraudehelpdesk is the national reporting point for fraud and scams in the Netherlands. Your report contributes to a nationwide picture of these practices.
fraudehelpdesk.nl - 4
Contact your bank
Did you pay by card or bank transfer? Contact your bank immediately. In some cases a chargeback or reversal is possible, especially in cases of fraud.
- 5
Warn others
Share your experience on Google Reviews or Trustpilot. This helps others recognise and avoid the same company. Soon you will be able to submit a report directly on this platform.