Internet fraud cost Dutch banks just €148,000 in the first six months of this year, down 80% on the second half of 2015, according to new figures from the Dutch banking association.

By contrast, in the first six months of 2012, internet banking fraud netted nearly €25m – the worst figure on record.

The banks say the sharp drop is because they have improved their anti-fraud measures and consumers are much more alert to the risk of phishing and other scams.

However, crooks did still manage to con people out of €1.6m by stealing bank cards, the NVB said.