Financial Fraud Detection in Norway: What to Do if You’re Targeted

Norway is not immune to financial fraud, and unsuspecting individuals may find themselves facing unexpected bills for items they never ordered or entered into “agreements” without realizing it. In this article, we’ll explore what you should do if you receive a bill for an item you didn’t order, how to get out of an unwanted business directory subscription, and what to do if you win an unknown competition.

If You Receive a Bill for an Item You Didn’t Order

You are not obligated to pay for items you did not order. However, it’s essential to inform the trader that you do not intend to pay should you receive a payment claim. Send a written notice to the trader stating that there is no purchase agreement or contract in place. It’s up to the trader to prove that an agreement exists.

• Traders may try to enter into agreements over the phone, but this is not a legal way to do so.
• They might send a completed agreement with a deadline for you to contact them if you don’t want to be bound by the agreement. However, the contact information provided may be invalid or unreachable, making it difficult for you to terminate the agreement.
• If the trader sends a claim to a collection agency, it’s crucial that you contest the claim. Debt collection agencies should not deal with disputed debts.

Getting Out of an Unwanted Business Directory Subscription

Business directories are often targeted at businesses, but individuals may also receive calls or emails asking them to confirm their company address. By confirming your address, you may inadvertently activate a “subscription” to advertise your company or association at a high cost.

• If you receive invoices for entries into business directories that you have not requested, contact the company in writing and report that you have not agreed to pay for the entry.
• Do not pay the invoice. If contacted by a debt collection agency, inform them that the claim is disputed and they are not allowed to collect it.

What to Do if You Win an Unknown Competition

Lottery scams often involve notification of winning a large prize, but with a catch – you need to transfer a sum of money to receive your winnings. The National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim) warns against responding to such requests via mail or email.

• Some companies may follow up on their requests by calling you. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
• Do not give out any personal information or reply to the request. Should the debt collection company not stop the case despite this, you can send a complaint to The Norwegian Financial Services Complaints Board (Finansklagenemnda).

In Norway, financial fraud detection is crucial to protect individuals from scams and fraudulent activities. By being aware of these tactics and knowing how to respond, you can minimize your risk of falling victim to financial fraud.