Icelanders Warned of Rampant Bank Fraud as Scammers Target Individuals and Businesses
A wave of fraudulent activities has been sweeping across Iceland, with scammers targeting both individuals and businesses in an attempt to steal sensitive financial information. The Icelandic authorities are urging citizens to be vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from these cunning fraudsters.
Phishing Tactics
According to sources, the majority of these scams involve phishing tactics, where criminals pose as reputable companies or organizations, such as DHL and UPS, and request personal financial information from unsuspecting victims. Others may claim to have won a giveaway or offer an investment opportunity that is “too good to be true”.
Recent Incidents
- A foreign entity claiming to work for a UK regulatory agency contacted an individual, attempting to access their bank account.
- A fake Hópkaup Facebook page convinced people to give out their card details by offering a giveaway.
Protecting Yourself from Fraud
The authorities are warning citizens not to share their card numbers or security codes with anyone over social media, via email, SMS, or phone. They should also be wary of unsolicited requests for login information and never agree to sign documents using their electronic ID without verifying the source.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Strange sender names
- Altered email addresses
- Pressure to make a payment immediately
- Fake logins with garbled language, missing Icelandic letters, or unusual font styles
Cybersecurity Tips
To protect themselves from cyber attacks, citizens are advised to:
- Verify payment requests by phone
- Avoid sharing personal financial information online
- Use strong passwords for their digital accounts
Additional Reminders
- Card fraud can occur anywhere, including Facebook and Messenger
- Be cautious when receiving payment requests by phone
- Never share your card numbers or security codes with anyone
By being aware of these tactics and taking steps to protect themselves, Icelanders can help prevent falling victim to these scams and keep their financial information safe.