How fraudsters work

Scam phone calls - 'vishing'

Someone may call you claiming to work for your bank, branch or someone involved in processing payments.
They may falsify the number that appears on the caller ID to make it look like it is your bank calling. This is called spoofing.
They convince you that you’ve been a victim of fraud, then typically ask for banking security information such as: log-on card number, card reader response codes. They may try and convince you to transfer funds to a 'safe account'.

What to do

If you receive a phone call appearing to come from Handelsbanken and requesting personal information, don't share it and hang up.

Contact your branch or Handelsbanken Customer Support immediately.

Emails - 'phishing'

Phishing happens when you’re sent an email which leads you to believe that the message is from a trusted source like your bank, a regular supplier, HMRC, NHS or even the police.
You might be asked to provide information about your user name, password, account number or credit card number.
Some emails will contain a link directing you to click on them. These links will download virus and malware on to your device.

What to do

If you receive an email appearing to come from Handelsbanken requesting personal information, don't reply.

If possible, please forward it to reportphish@handelsbanken.se but don't include a screenshot.

Text messages - 'smishing'

You may receive a text message appearing to come from someone you’re in regular contact with.
You’re led to believe that the message comes from your bank, your supplier, or someone who might normally send you a text.
You might be asked to provide information about your user name, password, account number, credit card number or other confidential information.
The message may direct you to click on a link. Clicking on this link will then download a virus or malware onto your device.

What to do

If you receive text messages appearing to come from Handelsbanken with questions like this, don’t reply.

Contact your branch or Handelsbanken Customer Support immediately.

Internal business email scam

An employee receives an email request from a director or senior partner of their company, advising that a payment needs to be made as soon as possible.
The director provides the beneficiary account details and the employee is put under pressure to make the payment. It’s later discovered that the director’s email account has been hacked or spoofed and the money has been transferred to a fraudster.

What to do

Don’t rush or be put under pressure.

Make sure all requests are checked by a senior member of the firm and check them against company records.

Always check by phoning the director wherever possible.

Invoice redirection scam

A customer receives an email from their supplier advising that their bank details have changed.
The customer sends the payment, which relates to a genuine invoice, to the new beneficiary account. It’s later discovered that the supplier’s email account has been hacked or spoofed and the money was sent to the fraudster.

What to do

If you receive an instruction to change the payment details from your supplier, always call them using a published contact number to verify that the instruction is genuine.

Additional support

Knowing how fraudsters work is one of the best ways to protect yourself. You'll find organisations here who are dedicated to fighting fraud and podcasts from our very own fraud experts, to help to stay one step ahead of scams.

Additional support