Have you been scammed? Here's how to minimize the consequences

According to Ilkka Tuominen, Fraud Manager at DNA, scammers exploit trust in familiar communication channels such as text messages, WhatsApp, and email. Messages may appear genuine, especially on small mobile screens where visual clarity is limited. Scam content has also become more personalized, making it harder to assess authenticity. Still, expert has one key guideline for identifying scams.

“As a key rule of thumb, never use electronic identification via a link in a text message or email. The same information is available on the official service provider’s website. It might make things slightly more inconvenient, but it can protect other Finns from scams and save you from financial loss,” Tuominen summarizes.

Over the past five years, DNA has blocked more than 42 million scam attempts. Due to preventive measures, spoofing Finnish phone numbers has become more difficult, leading scammers to increasingly use foreign numbers. As scams continue to evolve, combating them requires both technical solutions and user awareness. For example, DNA Digiturva helps identify scam websites and messages and includes an Internet Fraud Insurance in case something unfortunate happens online.

“Unfortunately, scams are here to stay. The volume of scam attempts is so high that a significant number still reach customers, despite our extensive efforts as an operator to block them. That’s why the user’s own actions are crucial,” Tuominen adds.

What to do if you even suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam

In a scam situation, time is money, so quick and correct action is essential. If you’ve been scammed or even suspect it, don’t blame yourself. Instead, act swiftly according to the following expert guidelines. By taking certain steps, you can not only minimize the damage but also prevent scammers from targeting others with the same scam.

“Your actions can prevent significant financial losses. Even someone who has already been scammed can help protect others, as scams often spread through hijacked accounts. If you’ve transferred money or used banking credentials in a scam, the most important thing is to immediately contact your bank’s blocking service,” Tuominen reminds.

1. Stop any ongoing activity
Interrupt all authentication processes. Hang up the phone, close the connection. If the scammer is at your door, close it. Exit the website or message, do not continue.

2. Contact your bank
If you transferred money or used your banking credentials, contact your bank’s blocking service to minimize the damage caused by the criminal.

3. Consider a voluntary credit ban
If you suspect identity theft, you can place a voluntary credit ban on yourself via the Positive Credit Register’s online service. This won’t affect existing credit but will prevent scammers from taking out loans in your name.

4. Ask for help from someone you trust

Scam situations are often stressful and it can be hard to think clearly in the moment. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from someone you trust and who can look at the situation from the outside.

5. Report the incident
Even if you escaped with just a scare and the scam attempt failed, report it to Traficom. If the scam succeeded and caused harm, file a criminal report with the police. This helps uncover scams affecting others as well. Traficom’s service for reporting cybersecurity incidents: https://traficom.fi/fi/asioi-kanssamme/ilmoita-tietoturvaloukkauksesta-0

It’s also worth familiarizing yourself in advance with the comprehensive guidelines provided by the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority and the Police:

www.kkv.fi/kuluttaja-asiat/huijaukset/

https://poliisi.fi/petosrikokset

Media Inquiries:

DNA Corporate Communications, tel. +358 44 044 8000, communications@dna.fi