Financial Crime World

Sweden Sees Surge in Financial Crimes as Fraud Incidents Soar by 22 Percent

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Stockholm Reports Worrying Trend in Financial Crimes

Sweden has reported a significant increase in financial crimes, with fraud incidents rising by a staggering 22 percent in 2023, according to the latest statistics from the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (Brå).

Key Statistics

  • Over 1.5 million crimes were reported in Sweden last year, an increase of four percent compared to the previous year.
  • Fraud crimes saw a significant surge, with:
    • Card fraud increasing by 44 percent.
    • Social engineering scams increasing by 36 percent.

Social Engineering Scams: A Growing Concern

Social engineering fraud, where criminals contact individuals by phone or online and trick them into performing actions that benefit the scammer financially, saw a significant surge in cases. According to Matheus Eriksson, statistician at Brå:

“It’s a type of fraud where the scammer contacts an individual, often by phone, and tricks them into doing something that will benefit the scammer financially.”

  • Assaults against both men and women increased overall.
  • Reported sexual assaults decreased by six percent.
  • The number of rapes committed by close relatives or acquaintances remained a significant concern.
  • Shoplifting saw a notable increase of ten percent, attributed to the introduction of an e-service that makes it easier for shopkeepers to report suspected theft.

Concerns and Urgent Call to Action

The figures have raised concerns among law enforcement and authorities, who are urging the public to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves against financial crimes.