Information security now!
Falling victim to an online scam is no trivial matter. A person may lose money or have their personal and sensitive information compromised. The impact of such crimes can also extend to emotional distress and a loss of sense of security. To minimise harm, it is important to act quickly. This article outlines the first steps you should take if you realise — or even suspect — that you have been scammed. It also provides guidance on where victims can find help with technical issues, financial matters and emotional wellbeing.
We all manage everyday matters online – we order from online shops, buy services, handle banking and chat with acquaintances. At the same time, the risk of falling victim to scams is increasing.
In 2024, Finns lost more than EUR 84 million in online scams – a sum 70 per cent greater than the previous year. Every action to prevent fraud is now necessary. Victims of fraud also need support, as many experience shame, fear or uncertainty alongside financial losses.
Cyber fraud crime in 2024 from the police's perspective – Police (External link) (in Finnish)
The Digital Security Barometer published in 2024 by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency examined citizens’ experiences with the state of digital security and related phenomena. The survey reveals that Finns’ trust in the safety of digital services and devices has decreased due to the increase in cybercrime. Of the respondents, 55 per cent said they are quite or very concerned about digital scams.
According to a consumer survey conducted by the European Commission in November 2024, nearly 30 per cent of Finns have encountered online scams. The EU average is 45 per cent.
What to do if you get scammed
- Immediately contact your bank if you have made a payment based on a scam or a criminal has gained access to your online banking service or gotten hold of your payment card information.
- File a police report. You can file a police report online.
- You can also report the incident to the NCSC-FI.
- If your personal data has been compromised, consult the data breach guide on Suomi.fi.
You are not alone
If you fall victim to a scam, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Help and support are available – both for handling practical matters and processing your emotions. Just being able to talk to someone you trust can bring relief. Many authorities and organisations also have trained advisors you can turn to without hesitation. Timely support helps you cope, rebuilds trust and reduces the risk of falling for scams again.
However, not all scams can be prevented. That’s when support and advice are essential.
Losing savings, getting into debt, falling into a payday loan cycle and losing creditworthiness are common financial consequences. Victims of romance scams also lose a relationship they considered important.
Being scammed can lead to serious psychological, social, and health-related consequences, such as loneliness, shame, guilt and anxiety. The health effects may include depression, suicidal thoughts, psychosomatic symptoms or increased substance use.
Seek support
If dealing with the situation becomes overwhelming, you can seek someone to talk to through the following services:
You can also get help through occupational health services or your wellbeing services county’s health and social services centre.
Working together for safe online routines
- Aalto University: Cyber Citizen (External link)
- Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) (External link)
- Enter ry, ICT Association for Seniors (External link)
- FiCom – Finnish Federation for Communications and Teleinformatics (External link)
- FINE, the Finnish Financial Ombudsman Bureau (External link)
- Finance Finland (FA) (External link)
- Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA) (External link)
- Finnish Commerce Federation (External link)
- Keva (External link)
- Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) (External link)
- Consumers’ Union of Finland (External link)
- Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities (External link)
- Kyberala ry – Finnish Information Security Cluster (FISC) (External link)
- National Cyber Security Centre Finland at the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom (External link)
- Save the Children Finland (External link)
- Police (External link)
- Victim Support Finland (RIKU) (External link)