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Common scams – and how to protect yourself
  • Never give out passwords or codes from your Digipass or BankID.
  • Is someone claiming to be calling from the bank? Hang up and call customer service yourself. 
  • Never download software when the request is made by someone you don't know.
  • Get extra protection with our free security features.
Our security features (in Swedish)

Fraud offences are becoming more common as the methods become more varied. To best protect yourself against scammers, you need to be well prepared and stay scam-aware. We want to help you recognise and address suspected scams so that you don’t fall prey to them yourself. Here, you can learn more about common types of scams and what you can do if you become a victim. 

Have you been a victim of a scam?

  • Call us directly on 0771-365 365.
  • Block your BankID.
  • Report the incident to the police.

3 real-life examples of scams

Advertising scam

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‘25 sqm studio flat for sublet. 5,000 SEK/month. Near the university and the metro.’ As soon as Sam saw the ad in his Facebook feed, he got in touch via Messenger. The flat in the pictures looked perfect – and he had already accepted his admissions offer in Stockholm. 

The landlord, Johanna M, responded quickly. Several people had already contacted her, but no one had confirmed yet. If Sam could decide quickly, he still had a chance. First, Johanna just wanted to run a credit check on him with the credit reference agency UC – for the safety of both of them, she explained.

Johanna asked Sam to identify himself using his mobile Bank ID. Sam opened the app, entered his code and accepted. The fake landlord was then able to identify himself as Sam at his bank, access his accounts and transfer money to himself.   

What could Sam have done differently?

  • Always be extra careful about things that sound too good to be true.
  • Never use your BankID or Digipass at someone else’s request.
  • If you feel rushed, always pay extra attention.
  • Never pay in advance for a product or service if you do not know the recipient. 

Telephone scam – vishing (voice phishing) 

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What was that horrible sound? Oh, the telephone. Beatrice answered. It turned out to be a nice young man from the Swedish Tax Agency calling. Apparently, Beatrice was going to get a refund – money back on her taxes. 

In order for the payment to be made to Beatrice’s account, she needed to identify herself using her Digipass. She flinched, remembering something about never giving out her PIN code. But that was the PIN code – not all those other numbers that were displayed after you had entered the code. And nice people could usually be trusted. Beatrice did as the young man said.

Using the response code from Beatrice’s Digipass, the scammers were able to access her account and drain it of her money... 

What could Beatrice have done differently?

  • Never start and use your BankID at the request of someone who has contacted you.
  • Never give out your PIN codes, or the codes you receive in your Digipass or by text message.
  • Always end calls and then call the bank or company yourself if you are unsure.

Text message scam – smishing (SMS phishing)

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Eva was sitting on the bus, surfing absentmindedly, when a text message appeared. It read: ‘Hi mum. My phone has broken down, so here’s my new number. I need help paying the rent too, as I don’t have BankID right now.’ 

Eva shook her head. Typical Frida. She was all grown up and studying in Uppsala, but still needed mum’s help. Eva dialled the new number. No answer. But after a while, she received another text message, ‘I can’t talk right now...’, followed by a description of how she should pay the rent. 5,500 kronor, via Swish. Okay, that’s fine. This time around.

Eva swished 5,500 kronor straight into the scammer’s account.

What should Eva have thought about?

  • Never use your BankID or Digipass at someone else’s request.
  • Always be sceptical when someone from an unknown number claims to be a person or company you trust.

How you can get scammed

Scam victims get new opportunities for compensation

Thanks to a recent ruling by the Swedish Supreme Court, victims of scams now have additional options for seeking compensation. This ruling concerned a case where a person unwittingly provided their identification details to a scammer, who then made a transfer from the person’s bank account without their consent. The victim was eligible for compensation from the bank because their action was not considered blameworthy. The Court’s decision has changed the situation for other fraud victims, who can now request a review of their cases.

Customers who want a review of a previous case can contact us and request a review. We believe that the recent Supreme Court ruling and the recommendations from the National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN) are positive developments. The clarity in the legal situation and the establishment of a practice for assessing fraud cases will provide guidance for us and other banks. As always, we follow the applicable rulings and regulations as well as the established precedents set forth by ARN’s decisions. We will also apply ARN’s recommendations when reviewing cases that were previously denied. However, since the circumstances of each case can vary, we will continue to review, investigate and assess each case individually. 

To request a review, you are welcome to call us on 0771-365 365.

You can read more about the ruling on the Swedish Banker’s Association website: HD-domen om bedrägerier bör leda till att fler får ersättning

How to raise your security level

We always analyse any suspicious buying patterns and unusual transactions in order to act swiftly and protect you against scams. You can now raise your own security level, too, by activating our security features. 

Stay scam-aware

Phone scams are becoming more prevalent and the methods are always evolving. Recognising some of the most common warning signs can help you protect yourself and those close to you. This is why Sweden’s banks have launched Svårlurad! – a joint information campaign to raise awareness of fraud and to offer practical tips and advice on staying protected. Their initiative aims to make everyone just that: scam-aware. 

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