Sweden: Warning over new telephone scam

Event

The Swedish police warned residents of a new type of telephone scam that is targeting Swedish phones on Monday, May 29. According to the police, there has been an increase in foreign numbers, usually beginning with Somalia’s +252 country phone code, being used to charge individuals premium rates on outgoing calls. Media sources reported that victims receive missed phone calls late at night. When the victim answers or calls back the number, they are connected to automated machines with hold music designed to keep the victim on the phone as long as possible while an expensive rate is applied.

Context

Police officials said that they have received more than 10,000 reports of  the scam in the past month.

Advice

Individuals in Sweden are advised to avoid answering or calling back phone calls from an unknown number, particularly those starting with “+252”. Victims of telephone scams are advised to report it to the local authorities.