Investment Fraud on the Rise: Be Cautious of Repeated Contacts and Suspicious Transactions
Investment fraud cases are becoming increasingly common, with scammers targeting individuals through repeated contacts and convincing schemes.
The Modus Operandi
The scam typically involves an advisor contacting potential investors, offering attractive investments in cryptocurrencies or other high-risk products. Once the investor agrees to invest, the scammer continues to contact them, persuading them to invest larger sums of money under various pretexts.
- Pressure tactics are often used to convince investors to put in more money
- Scammers may pose as representatives of government agencies or well-known companies, making it hard for victims to distinguish fact from fiction
A Recent Case: “Recovery” Frauds
A recent case involves a fraudulent company claiming to represent other victims who have been defrauded, offering to help recover losses in exchange for advance fees.
Phone Fraud: A Growing Concern
Another type of fraud on the rise is phone-based scams, where individuals are contacted by scammers posing as representatives of well-known organizations. These scammers claim that the victim has been exposed to some kind of situation that must be addressed immediately, and offer help in exchange for sensitive information.
- Victims may be tricked into divulging personal details, such as response codes from their card reader or BankID
- Scammers may ask victims to install remote control software on their devices
How to Avoid Being Tricked
To avoid falling victim to these scams:
- Hang up on unsolicited calls and text messages that ask for sensitive information
- Verify the identity of callers by contacting the company’s official phone number
- Think critically and don’t let stress cloud your judgment
- Refrain from clicking on links or following instructions in suspicious messages
Children Exploited for Money Laundering
Criminals are also exploiting children and young people to launder money, often using social media platforms or convincing them to receive or transfer funds via Swish.
- As a parent, it’s essential to educate your child about the dangers of online fraud and money laundering
- Monitor their online activities closely
Secure Swish
Additionally, there are current frauds targeting Swish users. Scammers may contact victims, claiming they suspect fraudulent activity, and ask them to log in to Online Banking or start their Swish app.
- Never respond to unsolicited calls or text messages asking for sensitive information
- Always keep your Swish app on your own initiative and never allow someone else to control it remotely
By being aware of these types of fraud and taking steps to protect yourself, you can reduce the risk of falling prey to scammers. Learn more about investment fraud and online safety at Finsnansinspektionen and Svårlurad, respectively.