Lotta Mauritzsoncrime prevention officer at the police’s National Fraud Centre, warns of increased risks when shopping.
– You need to be attentive all the time when shopping, she says in an interview in The evening paper.
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The fraudsters’ main method
The most common method fraudsters use is to deceive you via your card purchases, especially online. According to Lotta Mauritzson, it is common for fraudsters to copy real websites to appear credible.
– The trend we have seen in recent years is that fraudsters often work with websites that look like the real ones. They copy them almost exactly to make you feel safer, she tells Aftonbladet.
Most often, it is about websites that look like established e-tailers or delivery services. Police are now urging caution when clicking on links, especially those sent via SMS or email.
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Store congestion increases the risk
Lotta Mauritzson also believes that it is a perfect condition for thieves and fraudsters to strike when many people choose to go out to shops at the same time.
– The more people in the store, the easier it is to create a stressful situation where fraudsters can act, she says.
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Common mistakes many make
It is common that you may choose to save your card details when shopping online, something the police warn you should not do. Instead, you must deselect automatically filled boxes. If someone gains access to your account on an e-commerce site where your card details are stored, they can quickly make purchases without needing your card or PIN.
The police also give the following advice to reduce the risk of being scammed when shopping:
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