New fraud wave: Criminals send SMS appearing to come from police
Fraudsters have begun sending text messages claiming to be the police and demanding payment of fictitious traffic fines via a link.
New fraud wave: Criminals send SMS appearing to come from police
A brazen fraud method has emerged in Värmland county. Criminal actors are distributing text messages in which they claim to be from the Police Authority and demand payment for alleged speeding fines.
The police contact centre has noted a series of calls from concerned citizens. These have received text messages with an attached hyperlink. The sender addresses vary and belong to different email accounts. The recipient is urged to follow the link and complete a payment.
The message is pure fraud and has nothing to do with the authority. The police warn strongly against clicking on attached addresses. All incoming complaints have been registered as attempted extortion.
The authority never uses text messages to request money via external links. Communication with individuals is conducted exclusively through traditional post or to approved digital mailboxes.
Anyone who has been subjected to, or has experienced an attempt at, criminal activity should always contact the police. Instructions for submitting a report can be found on the authority's website or by calling 114 14.
Source: Polisen.se
Source: Google News SE — Crime (sv)