Scam in FinlandShopping
Overpriced outdated electronics in Finland
How it works
A shop may sell an old product at a high price even after the manufacturer has discontinued it or released a replacement. This is a poor-value purchase risk, rather than proof of fraud.
Warning signs
- You have not checked the exact model or its age.
- A newer replacement is available at a similar price.
How to avoid it
- Check the exact model before paying.
- Compare the price with other retailers.
- Check whether the manufacturer has discontinued or replaced it.
If it happens to you
- 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.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the overpriced outdated electronics scam in Finland?
A shop may sell an old product at a high price even after the manufacturer has discontinued it or released a replacement. This is a poor-value purchase risk, rather than proof of fraud.
How can I spot it early?
You have not checked the exact model or its age. A newer replacement is available at a similar price.
How do I avoid overpriced outdated electronics in Finland?
Check the exact model before paying. Compare the price with other retailers. Check whether the manufacturer has discontinued or replaced it.
Where in Finland does this happen?
Electronics retailers across Finland, especially shops that do not specialise in electronics.
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.
Are there similar scams in Finland?
Yes: misleading sale discounts, loyalty-card prices hidden in the small print.
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