Police Warning – If You’re Going to Buy This: “Be Careful”

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Police Warning If Youre Going to Buy This Be

Last year, the proceeds of crime for fraud amounted to around SEK 7.5 billion, according to an estimate by the Swedish Police Agency’s national fraud centre. This is an increase of a whopping 22 percent compared to 2022.

In addition, the number of reported fraud crimes also increased in 2023, from roughly 195,000 the year before to approximately 238,000.

– We see that the increase in criminal profits between 2022 and 2023 follows the increase in the number of reported fraud crimes. 7.5 billion is an awful lot of money. Especially considering that in most cases they also go directly to organized crime, which thereby strengthens their positions considerably, have Lotta Mauritzsoncoordinator at the National Fraud Center, previously said in a press release.

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Photo: Jeppe Gustafsson/TT

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Several fraud alerts in 2024

Whether the number of reported fraud crimes will also increase in 2024 remains to be seen, but it is clear that a whole range of companies and authorities have sounded the alarm about fraud attempts in the past months.

In connection with the income declaration being sent out last spring, for example, the Tax Agency warned of a fake text message that said the recipient could collect their tax refund via a link. However, the link led to a scam page, where the fraudsters tried to access the private information of unsuspecting Swedes.

“The Swedish Tax Agency does not communicate that way,” noted Maja Fröman, press secretary at the authority, in a comment to News24 when.

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Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

And the Swedish Tax Agency is thus far from alone in having to raise the flag because their brand is being used by fraudsters. The Financial Supervisory Authority and the Swedish Transport Agency have also had to issue warnings about fake emails and text messages.

In addition, companies and banks such as DB Schenker, the Postal Code Lottery and Länsförsäkringar have sounded the alarm for similar reasons.

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Photo: Helena Landstedt/TTPhoto: Isabell Höjman/TT

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The police warn: “Every reason to be careful”

But it is not only in fake SMS and e-mails that fraudsters try to trick them into sensitive information and money. Fraud attempts also occur in online shopping and on buying and selling sites.

And now the police, in the north-eastern Skåne and Blekinge police area, are actually warning that fraudsters are on the move.

Photo: Anders Wiklund/TT

During the past weekend, a person from Hässleholm reported to the police a fraud in which, in connection with a firewood sale on Facebook Marketplace, he was cheated of SEK 6,500. According to the newspaper Northern Scania should the case be one of several that have occurred lately and now the police are warning the public.

How to protect yourself against fraud in online shopping

  • Be careful about giving out your card number, especially to companies you have not done business with before.
  • Be wary of offers that are too good to be true, such as unused branded items at a significantly lower price than in-store – they may be stolen goods or fake copies.
  • Be vigilant if the counterparty pressures you to complete the deal.
  • Avoid paying in advance if you buy from private individuals.
  • If possible, you should meet the seller and have the item itself handed over.
  • As a seller, you should not pay an insurance fee to shipping companies or couriers who claim to come and pick up your item.
  • The fact that the seller gives out his social security number or account number does not protect you from being scammed.
  • Check that the money goes to the person you were in contact with when you pay with Swish.

    • Source: The police

    – You buy firewood via Marketplace, swipe the money but don’t get delivery. It is increasing throughout our region and there is every reason to be careful when buying firewood. Never pay in advance, they say Thomas Johanssonpress spokesperson in the police area of ​​north-eastern Skåne and Blekinge, to the newspaper.

    Photo: Caisa Rasmussen/TT

    When asked if it is suspected that it is the same fraudster who carries out the frauds, Johansson replies:

    – We are looking at that. Therefore, it is very good that those who are affected report it. We have noticed that it has increased a lot recently.

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