There are many fraud attempts at Christmas time. Now the Pensions Authority is going out and warning the public that a new wave has taken off.
In recent years, the number of fraud crimes has increased at a furious pace and the criminal profits are written in billions.
DON’T MISS: The authority’s alarm: 140,000 frauds in six months
Photo: Caisa Rasmussen / TT
DON’T MISS: Latest news – take part in what’s happening right now
In 2023, criminal profits for fraud increased by as much as 22 percent compared to the year before. The total criminal profits landed at SEK 7.5 billion.
According to the police, the profits are reinvested in new criminal schemes such as drugs and weapons.
Profits of Crime 2023 by Fraud Type:
Source: The police
READ MORE: News today – current news from Sweden and the world
The Swedish Pensions Agency warns of a new wave of fraud
On Friday, December 6, the authority went out and warned that several private individuals have been called by people who pretend to represent the Pensions Authority and that they offer training via a link.
“The pension authority can call you, but we do not offer advice or training”, they write on their homepage regarding the warning issued.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time fraudsters pretend to represent an authority, bank or company. More often than not, that’s just how many frauds go. By using a trustworthy name of, for example, an authority, they try to win your trust and then access sensitive information about you such as bank and account details. If it is left out, it unfortunately usually ends in a similar way: the fraudster grabs as much as he can.
Recently, the police went out and warned about new phone scams that have taken off.
READ MORE: Police Scam Alert: Do not answer this call
In addition, it was discovered last week that new scam text messages have started to be sent out from a fake “debt collection” company, which claims that there is a debt to pay.
READ MORE: Got this sms from “collection”? Then it’s a scam
Protect yourself from the scam calls
Against the background of the new wave the Pensions Authority is now warning about, they also share what you should keep in mind if you receive a call that you suspect is not sincere.
“Always check the sender before clicking on a link or logging in with e-identification. A fraud often starts with an unexpected phone call or text message. If you are called by someone pretending to be calling from or on behalf of the Pensions Authority, you should always be careful about giving out your information. If you are unsure whether the person is who they say they are, you can always call our customer service to double check,” they write in conclusion.
DON’T MISS: Parcel Scam Alert – If you’ve received this message