Multiple people in Gothenburg have received fraudulent SMS messages about scheduled lock changes this weekend. Police in the Väst region are warning the public about fraud, noting that several Gothenburg residents have reported the false SMS messages. Police view it as suspected fraud attempts.
Fraud cases have recently increased in Western Sweden. In recent weeks, there have been several fraud attempts and three completed frauds. Several of the frauds have occurred in Gothenburg, Kungsbacka, and Mölndal. Police have noted that scammers are using a new method.
The scam starts with an SMS from the sender 'Billo' or 'Billogram'. The company 'Billogram' is real and is a digital mailbox. Victims receive an SMS about an invoice that needs to be paid.
When the person realizes they haven't bought anything, there is a number they can call. Victims are asked to call a phone number to rectify the error. Once scammers get the person on the phone, it usually leads to a home visit.
During home visits, scammers use similar methods as before, such as claiming to need to take jewelry and gold due to many thefts in the area. Scammers deceive victims into handing over jewelry and valuable items. Scammers claim they need to photograph or confiscate valuable items.
Police in the Väst region are urging private individuals to 'dare to be rude' if they have not ordered anything. Police in the Väst region are issuing an appeal to private individuals around the area to dare to be rude and not respond to the SMS. Gothenburg residents are urged not to respond but to report to the police.
Dare to be rude.
Police advise everyone who receives this type of message not to respond, even if it feels threatening or uncomfortable, but to save the SMS and make a report. If you suspect something is wrong, it's great to tip off the police via their website or 114 14. To protect against telephone fraud, hang up if unsure, do not log in or provide personal codes, and do not trust the caller even if they seem credible.
Scammers have targeted various places in Greater Gothenburg and Halland over time. Recently, there have been several reports from people targeted in northern Halland.
The police have been working on several cases of fraud using this method. There is currently no suspect in the cases.
The SMS claims that a lock change will be made over the weekend, even though the recipient never ordered anything. Police view it as suspected fraud attempts.
More information on protection against scams is available on polisen.se.
Public concern grows as scammers use new methods in Western Sweden.