Phone scams (robocalls and fake bank calls)

How robocalls and fake bank calls work

A recorded call or a person claims that suspicious activity has occurred on your account.

• The recording asks you to press a number so the call is "connected" to the bank’s security department.
• The calls often come from foreign numbers or from a number that looks Finnish.
• The goal is to get you to hand over your credentials or move money to a "safe account".
• Artificial intelligence now produces fluent Finnish, so the language no longer reveals the scam.

How to recognise a scam call

• You are asked to give banking credentials, card details or confirmation codes over the phone.
• The call creates strong urgency and fear.
• You are urged to install an app or grant remote access to your device.
• The caller forbids you from ending the call or phoning your bank.

What to do during a suspicious call

The rule of thumb is simple and effective.

• End a suspicious call immediately, even if the caller pressures you.
• Call your bank’s or the authority’s official number, which you look up yourself.
• Never give out credentials or codes based on a phone call.
• Banks and authorities never ask for this information over the phone.

What to do if you suspect or fall victim to a scam

• Contact your bank immediately if you gave out your payment or bank details or lost money. Acting quickly may stop the payment.
• File a police report at poliisi.fi if you have lost money.
• Report suspicious messages, calls or websites to the National Cyber Security Centre Finland.
• Victim Support Finland helps and advises victims at 116 006.