The media has reported incidents where someone has received an email alleging to be from the police. The email claims that legal proceedings have been instigated against the recipient for being in possession of pornographic material, for example.
Scam messages may contain the name of a police official and police unit. Advice from a police expert can help you to avoid being scammed.
“Messages can request a prompt response, personal information or bank details. Be alert, don’t click on links or open attachments. Don’t reply to such messages and remember they can be deleted,” says Chief Superintendent at the Police Operations Unit at the National Police Board.
Scam letters are often written in poor language, contain an allegation of the recipient’s criminal activity and a request to provide an explanation by email. Some messages contain links or request personal information.
Be alert and avoid being scammed
Scam messages try to phish for credit card numbers, bank identifiers or to gain access the recipient’s computer or laptop. The messages can also contain malware.
“Real police officers never ask for bank identifiers or ask people to send money by phone or in any other way,” Chief Superintendent Kiiski points out.
The official email addresses of the police end in @poliisi.fi. Always check the sender’s email address before replying. Unfortunately addresses may also be falsified so the whole address needs to be assessed.
Several different versions of the same scam may be in circulation at the same time.
“Your matter will proceed fastest when you file a crime report online and nor will you need to phone the police,” Chief Superintendent Kiiski says.
What to do if you receive a scam message
If you receive an email message sent in the name of the police that you suspect to be a scam, delete it without opening the attachments.
- Don’t reply to the message.
- Don’t open links or attachments in the message.
- You don’t need to react to the message in anyway.
What to do if you have already disclosed your information
- If you have already replied to a message or disclosed your personal or bank information, contact your own bank immediately.
- Once you have done that, file a police report. You can do this online at https://poliisi.fi/en/report-a-crime or at any police station.
- You don’t need to call the emergency response centre or the police about the matter.
