Survey: Nine out of ten Norwegians are exposed to digital fraud attempts

– The figures are alarming. It is frightening to see how many people are exposed to attempted digital fraud, and it shows how important it is with increased awareness and concrete measures, says senior advisor Johannes Vallesverd at Nkom and head of the expert group against digital fraud.

In the survey Respons Analyze has carried out for the National Communications Authority (Nkom), nine out of ten over 18s state that they have been exposed to fraud attempts during the past year. 74 percent say it happens monthly or more often, while 11 percent say it happens daily.

Fraud for 9 billion last year

The most common are fraud attempts via e-mail and text message. More than half have also been called by phone, while others find that it happens via social media. Elders are more susceptible than younger people.

Nkom and Økokrim established a national expert group against digital fraud last autumn. The measures have already produced results, and in periods a quarter of all calls from abroad can be stopped as fraud.

Norway will now lead an international expert group in which 20 countries participate.

– We often use digital services and fraudsters like to go where there is the most profit. New figures from Økokrim show that residents in the Nordic region were defrauded of NOK 9 billion in digital channels last year, says Vallesverd.

You should pay attention to this:

He reminds people to be careful. It is especially important to never share BankID, passwords or sensitive personal data.

If you receive an email or SMS with typos or strange wording, the warning lights should flash.

Avoid clicking on links if you can, and instead search the website yourself or use an app if possible. End suspicious calls, whether they come on mobile or via social media and instead ask to call them back, reads other advice.