Right now, fake campaigns are spread in Coop’s name on social media where great prices are promised.
But behind the posts are hidden fraudsters who are trying to attract customers’ tasks.
– We want to be able to use our own brand without thinking that someone else is doing so too, says Therese Knapp, press secretary at Coop.
Coop has received a wave of reports of fake sms and posts in social media, where the company’s name is used to attract customers to disclose sensitive information. According to Press Secretary Therese Knapp, customers are often tricked through promised profits.
– Occasionally, it has happened that customers come to the store to get their price, and are saddened when we have to say that it is not Coop who sent out the information, she says.
Statistics from the Crime Prevention Council (BRÅ) show that almost 230,000 fraud offenses were reported last year and according to the Swedish Consumer Agency, Bluff-SMS and scam emails have become an increasingly common phenomenon that has hit many.
Occurs in social media
According to Therese button, fraud attempts are made mainly through SMS, but now also more often via platforms such as Facebook where customers enter their contact details. She fears that the information can be resold in some cases, while other fraud attempts are to get the recipient to click on a link.
– It is a big problem and we do not want to be associated with this in any way. It is sad for customers who feel disappointed and cheated, she says.
Coop’s actions
When Bluff-SMS is discovered, the Coop contacts the telephone companies to track who is behind the number. If they find the sender, they take legal action. When fake campaigns, on the other hand, appear in social media, these are reported to the platform, and Coop also urges customers to do the same.
– The only thing we can do is report to Meta and clarify that it is not Coop, so that they can pick down the ads. It is good if customers also help and you should also report to the police if you have been deceived, she says.
She points out that Coop never sends SMS if it does not concern delivery information for an online order. Depending on the scope, those affected may also report the incident.
– We think it is great that customers announce us so we can go out with information.