Advice that protects you from BankID fraud
Whenever BankID communicates with the public and makes changes, there are always those who attempt to exploit it. When you receive a phone call from the police or the bank asking for your BankID codes and password, it's an attempt at fraud.
When BankID communicates with the public and makes changes, there is always someone who tries to exploit it. If you get a phone call from the police or the bank and are asked to provide BankID codes and passwords, then it is an attempt at fraud.
Such inquiries do not necessarily come only by phone, but also by SMS and email. A simple rule of thumb is that no serious actor will ask you to provide login details by SMS or email. If someone calls you and says they are from the police or the bank and asks you to log in or provide your BankID password, just hang up.
It is often called “phishing”, and it is largely based on the trust consumers have in trustworthy actors, such as the bank, the police or BankID.
Everyone can be a victim
Most people have heard of the “Olga scam”, where scammers specifically target older people who may be less computer literate. It is not only older people who are deceived, all age groups are targeted by scammers. It is important to stay up to date on scammers' methods to keep you safe.
Scammers often use multiple channels
Scammers may try to contact you via multiple channels to appear convincing. By combining telephone, text message and email, you get the feeling that what is happening is legitimate. The language is often impeccable - and the attacks have in common that you are short on time and need to do something quickly.
In SMS scams, the sender looks credible, while the content seems suspicious. Scams are often characterized by asking you to follow a link to take care of something urgent.
In emails, there may be other characteristics that reveal scams. First, you should check whether the sender's address looks credible and is spelled correctly. You should also check the web addresses of any links by hovering over them. If something looks suspicious, we recommend deleting the email. Always contact your bank if you are in doubt whether you have been the victim of a scam.
Take precautions - uncover fraud with these measures
- Never disclose BankID information to anyone, not friends, family, the police, or the bank.
- The police or your bank will never ask you to provide BankID codes and passwords via email, SMS, or phone.
- If the police or the bank call to help you stop fraud by moving your money to a "security account," it's fraudsters at work. Instead, contact your bank directly to check if everything is in order.
- Always check if you have received emails from the same email address before.
- BankID will never send SMS messages containing links. If you receive an SMS with a link from someone claiming to be BankID, it's fraud.
- Use a unique password for BankID. You can use a simple and positive sentence that is easy to remember. And remember, you can use spaces! This will work as a special character.
- It's better to contact your bank one time too many than one time too few if you suspect fraud.
- You are never in too much of a hurry - don't let yourself be rushed. Stop, think, and check first.
Have you been scammed?
Contact the bank immediately, and they will attempt to stop the money transfers. Change your BankID password yourself, or ask the bank to block your BankID immediately.
How to report fraud to the policeHow to report fraud to the police