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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.

Such requests may not only come via phone but also through SMS and email. A simple rule of thumb is that no reputable entity will ask you to provide login details over the phone, via SMS, or through email.

This is often referred to as "phishing," and it largely relies on the trust consumers have in credible entities like the bank, the police, or BankID.

Anyone can fall victim

Most people have heard of "Olga scams," where scammers specifically target the elderly, who may be less tech-savvy. Recently, other demographics have also been affected. Therefore, everyone should stay updated on measures to reduce the risk of falling victim to fraud.

Scammers often use multiple channels

Scammers may try to contact you through multiple channels to appear convincing. By combining phone calls, SMS, and emails, they create the impression that what is happening is legitimate. The language used is often flawless, and a common feature of these attacks is that you are under time pressure and need to act quickly.

"In SMS scam attempts, the sender often appears credible, while the content seems suspicious. They often ask you to follow a link to address something urgent," says Per Thorsheim, a security expert at BankID BankAxept.

"For emails, there may be other signs that reveal fraud attempts. First, check if the sender's address looks credible and is correctly spelled. You should also check the web addresses of any links by hovering your mouse pointer over them. If these appear suspicious, we recommend deleting the email," Thorsheim continues, advising you to check with your bank if you are unsure whether you have been targeted by a fraud attempt."

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.
BankID's official channels

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