Online fraud expert warns: Scammers are exploiting Finns’ sense of vulnerability – this is how you identify a scam

Experts have been warning Finns about data security risks and other security-related concerns in recent months. This has not gone unnoticed by cybercriminals. DNA’s Fraud Manager Ilkka Tuominen noted that scams utilising the theme of security in one way, or another increased towards the end of the year.

“There is no shortage of scam warnings, but scammers are unfortunately using the same techniques to their own advantage. For example, we’ve seen cases where customers are contacted by someone pretending to be their bank and informing them that their security is compromised and that they need to move their money to safety. Because of the current state of world affairs, people are reacting more strongly to things like this. Naturally, scammers have realised this tactic works”, Tuominen explains.

Scammers have also increasingly been including potential victims’ family members in their tactics.

“Regrettably common are text message scams that involve posing as a close family member and claiming that their old phone is broken and that they have a new number. The goal here is to gain the victim’s sympathy, as we always respond to scam attempts with some balance of sense and emotion. Scammers might pose, for example, as the victim’s daughter, hoping to create the sense that an urgent response is needed.”

How to identify scams

Because modern scammers appeal specifically to people’s emotions in hopes of getting them to act quickly and impulsively, Tuominen recommends putting your phone down for a moment before responding to a suspicious message.

“In situations like this, it’s important to approach the situation thoughtfully. Counting down to ten just to give yourself a moment to get past the worst of the initial shock is a good idea. Break down the situation calmly, one piece at a time. If something seems suspicious, ask a friend for advice. For example, if you get a message saying a close relative has a new phone number, try calling their ‘old’ number first – that is, the one you already have in your contacts. If you get a ringing tone, you know the number hasn’t changed and the message was sent by a scammer”, Tuominen advises.

“With everyone particularly concerned about security right now, scam messages may include lurid claims about a security risk designed to get users to click on links before even reading the message through properly. It is important to stay calm and take a step back. It may also be worth asking someone else you trust for advice.”

10 million blocked scam calls

Today, Finns are subject to an enormous number of attempted scams, as demonstrated by the 10 million scam calls blocked by DNA last year.

In October, Traficom charged operators with curbing attempted scam calls from Finnish phone numbers. With this, operators received new tools to help Finns avoid scams.

“The number of scam calls varies from month to month. Last October, we blocked an enormous 2.6 million scam calls”, Tuominen says.

In addition to calls, scammers also make extensive use of text messages. According to Tuominen, operators will soon have more tools to combat text message scams.

“Traficom’s regulatory changes give us a better view of the playing field and reduce opportunities for scammers. After the New Year, the changes will also affect text message filtering. Now, we have a heightened ability to help our customers, though unfortunately, we still can’t block every single scam. That means people still need to be on their toes.”

Media Inquiries:

Ilkka Tuominen, Fraud Manager, DNA Plc, tel. +358 (0)44 044 2030, ilkka.tuominen@dna.fi
DNA Corporate Communications, tel. +358 (0)44 044 8000, communications@dna.fi