In 2023, the number of frauds in Sweden increased by 22 percent compared to 2022, according to crime-preventing counsel. More Swedes are unlucky to be cheated out of money, but how is it that more people are actually affected?
News24 have talked to Victoria Milosevskasenior physician in psychiatry, who explains why more pensioners are exposed to fraud in Sweden.
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The psychiatrist: “Nothing to be ashamed of”
During her time as a psychiatrist, Viktorija Milosevska has met people who have been victims of fraud. Common to those she met is that they are ashamed of having been cheated out of money.
She believes that the people often have a tough financial situation and may also be in debt after the fraud.
However, it is unusual for a victim to seek care solely to process the fraud, even though they need it. When they seek care, they blame worry or anxiety instead.
– It is only when you ask about the trauma and previous negative life events that it comes to light, says Viktorija Milosevska to Nyheter24.
She believes many victims feel ashamed, but doesn’t think they should.
– It’s really nothing to be ashamed of. You’re not stupid, you’ve just been unlucky, she continues.
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Viktorija Milosevska believes that many people are ashamed of having been victims of fraud. Photo: Henrik Montgomery/TT
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Why are pensioners cheated in scams?
The number of frauds is therefore increasing, but why is this so? Viktorija Milosevska, senior physician in psychiatry, has a theory.
– Unfortunately, the criminals who carry out the fraud have identified a weak target group in, for example, the elderly. By weak I mean that, for example, they are not particularly familiar with digitalisation. It’s hard to keep up, even in middle age.
Viktorija Milosevska also believes that today’s pensioners have a less suspicious attitude towards other people.
This makes them believe to a greater extent in the goodwill of people and therefore they become a target for professional fraud networks.
– It is a well-thought-out strategy and operation with many people involved. The fraudsters are pleasant on the phone and the pensioners appreciate that. If you are nice, the victim may not suspect an ulterior motive.
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