Fraud crimes are becoming more and more common in Sweden. In 2023, 238,000 fraud crimes were reported, which was an increase of 22 percent compared to the previous year. And the proceeds of crime for the fraudsters amounted, according to the police tasks to a breathtaking 7.5 billion kroner.
Recently, the government also demanded that Swedish banks come up with answers on how to stop the fraud and make it more difficult for criminals to defraud Swedes.
This is how phone scams against the elderly must be stopped
Here are the scammers’ favorite victims: “The most vulnerable”
The criminal profits from fraud amounted to several billion in 2023. Photo: Photo: Janerik Henriksson/TTCompanies and authorities warn of fraud
In recent times, the development has caused several companies, organizations and authorities to warn customers and private individuals about the fraudsters’ ugly tricks.
One of the latest companies to come out with warnings and calls for protection is Swish. Through information boxes in the app, you are asked not to swish at someone else’s request. They’ve also put together a checklist for you to follow if you’re worried about being scammed.
Swish’s call – that’s how you should protect yourself
PRO calls for legislation after fraud wave
Now one more organization chooses to raise the alarm about the risk of fraud, namely the Pensioners’ National Organization, PRO.
In a member survey conducted by the interest organization, it appears that out of 34,000 respondents from all over the country, nearly 30 percent were exposed to fraud attempts in the past year. Of the respondents, 13 percent have also been exposed to fraud attempts several times.
Against the background of the number of frauds sweeping the country, where the elderly are a vulnerable group, PRO’s chairman now wants to see new legislation.
– How many more pensioners will have to lose their life savings before we see the government and the banks take action? Information campaigns are not enough, now is the time to legislate on requirements for preventive measures and for banks to compensate their customers if their services are not secure enough, says Åsa Lindestamchairman of PRO in one press release.
According to Lindestam, it is a disaster for the victim of a fraud, where savings and life savings can be seen disappearing in a flash.
– For those who are affected by the fraud, it is nothing less than a disaster, and the reports only increase and increase. But far too few crimes are solved and even fewer get their money back. It is not reasonable that pensioners’ savings should continue to finance criminal activities in this way.
Åsa Lindestam is chairman of the National Pensioners’ Organization, PRO. Photo: Caisa Rasmussen/TT
Got this sticker on your car? Now the police are warning