November 10, 08:16, Fraud, Katrineholm
Five elderly women targeted by fraud in Katrineholm and Vingåker
Five women in their 80s were targeted by fraud or attempted fraud yesterday in the municipalities of Katrineholm and Vingåker.
In all cases, it started with a phone call from someone claiming to represent a company. The caller claimed that the women had not returned a rental car.
Two women were targeted by attempted fraud. One of them was given a phone number for someone claiming to be a police officer. The woman called 112 instead. The other woman ended the call when the caller asked whether she had gold and valuables at home.
Three women were victims of completed fraud: two in Katrineholm and one in Vingåker. After the phone calls, they were visited by people claiming to be police officers. The people took the women’s bank cards and jewellery. During the evening, the bank cards were used to withdraw money.
In one of the cases, the woman told a neighbour what had happened. The neighbour alerted her to the fact that she had been targeted by fraud.
This shows how important it is for everyone to help stop fraudsters and warn one another.
How to protect yourself from fraudsters
Talk to older relatives and acquaintances about how these scams work. Remind them of the Police’s advice:
1. Hang up. End the call if you are unsure who is calling. It does not matter whether the person claims to be from the police, a bank, a company or a relative. You do not need to be polite.
2. Never log in at someone else’s request.
Never use BankID or give out codes from a bank security device or payment card to anyone who contacts you.
3. Do not trust the caller.
Fraudsters can sound credible, have personal information about you and try to stress you by claiming that you risk losing money or that a relative is in danger.
4. Never hand over valuables.
The police, banks and reputable companies never collect bank cards, money or jewellery from your home. Do not let strangers in.
If you suspect that you have been targeted by fraud, contact your bank immediately and then report it to the police.
Call 112 for an ongoing crime and 114 14 if the crime is not ongoing.