Investment fraud

More about investment fraud

• How a fraud may take place

  An investment fraud often beginss with a phone call from someone offering a lucrative investment. You may also receive offers via text message, email or social media.

  Initially, you might be offered a single investment, followed by several more. Eventually, you may even be offered help to save the situation.

  Scammers often work long-term to deceive you. They try to build trust. They usually know what to say and have convincing answers to your questions.

  Ads on social media

  On social media, the scam may begin with an ad showing an interview with a famous person. The celebrity claims to have made a lot of money in a short time using a new method. This is a scam, and the celebrity has not been asked for permission. You are encouraged to submit your contact details and then receive an offer to invest.

  Often starts with smaller amounts

  Fraud usually begins with a request to deposit a small amount of money, a few thousand kronor. This is then followed by repeated prompts to deposit more and more money.

  Sometimes you’re also given a login where you can see the value increasing. This is manipulated to create a sense of security and convince you to deposit even more money.

  How investment fraud happens (fi.se)

• How you can avoid being the victim of fraud

  There are several things that you should keep in mind to avoid being scammed:

  • Did you receive an offer that sounds too good to be true? Then it probably is.
  • Be skeptical of those offering investments via phone, social media, or email. Hang up or block the person.
  • Never let someone you don’t know remotely access your computer.
  • Do not use your bank ID at someone else’s request.
  • Do not use your BankID at someone else’s request.
  • Do not log in to your bank at someone else’s request.
  • Never share your login details.

  Read more on how to avoid investment fraud on konsumenternas.se (In Swedish)

  Want to invest? Check the company first.

  In the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority’s company register, you can verify whether a company is authorized to offer financial services.

  You can also search the Authority’s warning list. But keep in mind that scammers are often one step ahead. They may quickly change names or use a different identity.

  The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority's company register (In Swedish)

  The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority's register of warnings for companies (In Swedish)

• If you are the victim of fraud

  Have you made a payment via your bank or card? Then you van try to stop the transaction. Contact your bank immediately.

  Also file a police report if you’ve been the victim of an investment fraud. Report it whether you’ve already lost money or if it was just an attempted fraud. Call 114 14 or visit a police station.

  About investment fraud on the website for the Swedish Police (in Swedish)

  You should also notify the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. They can warn others through their warning list. But keep in mind that they cannot help you personally.

  Contact the Financial Supervisory Authority (fi.se)

• Many fall victim again

  If you have once been a victim of investment fraud, there is a high risk that fraudsters will try again. Sometimes shortly after the first fraud, and sometimes years later.

  For example, someone may call and offer to help you get back lost money for a fee.

  Scammers often claim to represent a well-known company, a bank or a government authority. Legitimate organizations would never contact you in that way.

  Never pay money to someone who says they want to help you. Also, never allow anyone to access your computer remotely.

• If you need support

  Have you been affected and need support? Then you can turn to the Swedish Crime Victim Authority.

  The Swedish Crime Victim Authority's website

  Do you need help managing your finances? You can contact a budget and debt advisor working at your local municipality. This service is free of charge.

  Get help with budget and debt issues