Online and phone fraud in Finland

Online or through phone approaches across Finland.

How it works

Fraud occurs online and through phone approaches. No particular script or payment method is described.

Warning signs

An unexpected caller asks for money or sensitive information.
An online seller pressures you to pay before you can check the offer.

How to avoid it

Verify the caller or seller through contact details you find independently.
Do not share passwords or payment approval codes.
Check the offer before sending money.

If it happens to you

Stop contact, save the messages and payment records, and contact your bank or payment provider promptly. Report suspected fraud to the police.

Move somewhere safe. Call 112 if there is immediate danger, serious injury or another emergency.
Stop further payments. Contact your bank or card issuer and freeze any missing or exposed cards.
Save receipts, booking details, messages and screenshots. Write down what happened while you remember it.
Report theft, fraud or a fake official to the police. Give a clear description and any evidence you have.
For a purchase or taxi dispute, contact the business with your evidence and request a correction or refund.
If a passport is stolen, contact your embassy or consulate. Secure accounts on stolen devices and contact your travel insurer if needed.

Where it happensOnline or through phone approaches across Finland.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in FinlandFake police demanding immediate payment: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the online and phone fraud scam in Finland?

Fraud occurs online and through phone approaches. No particular script or payment method is described.

How can I spot it early?

An unexpected caller asks for money or sensitive information. An online seller pressures you to pay before you can check the offer.

How do I avoid online and phone fraud in Finland?

Verify the caller or seller through contact details you find independently. Do not share passwords or payment approval codes. Check the offer before sending money.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Stop contact, save the messages and payment records, and contact your bank or payment provider promptly. Report suspected fraud to the police.

Where in Finland does this happen?

Online or through phone approaches across Finland.

How common is this scam in Finland?

Occasional. Finland has a low crime rate, and tourist scams are uncommon. The main things to watch for are costly taxi offers, misleading sale prices and theft of unattended belongings. Online and phone fraud also occur.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, fraud, robbery or someone posing as an officer. Police generally speak some English. Call 112 for an emergency. Oulu police department: for non-emergency cases or questions, call +358 29-546-0211. The central police office is at Kirkkokatu 13. Lapland Police Department in Rovaniemi: for police matters, call +358 295-466-250 or visit Hallituskatu 3A, Monday–Friday 08:00–16:00. For lost-property matters, call +358 295-416-941. Card issuer, bank or payment provider: use its official app or independently verified contact details. Report unauthorised payments, freeze affected cards and ask about recovering the money. Taxi company or retailer: provide your receipt, booking details or advertised price. Explain the difference and ask for a correction. For misleading shopping prices, first ask the shop to cancel the purchase. Relevant consumer authority: if a shop does not resolve misleading advertising or a disputed purchase, seek help from the authority responsible for that type of complaint. The process can be slow. Embassy or consulate: if your passport is stolen, contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details for replacement-document guidance.

What number do I call in an emergency in Finland?

Emergency services: 112.

Reviewed by @snuck