Borrowed phones used to hijack BankID across Sweden

BankID fraudsters have targeted people after nights out by asking to borrow their phones. Keeping the phone in your own hands is a key precaution, even when someone says they need help making a call.

Several people have been convicted following three trials, two in Gothenburg and one in Jönköping, SVT reports. Prosecutor Maria Bengtsson estimates that up to 200 people have been affected across several Swedish cities. Two judgments have been appealed.

The reported cases involved criminals watching victims enter their security codes, then borrowing their phones under a pretext. They used the information and access to activate BankID on another device. Some victims had used the same code for their screen lock and BankID.

Bengtsson advises anyone helping a stranger call a taxi or a friend to make the call themselves rather than hand over the phone.

If you suspect identity theft, police advice is to contact your bank first to try to stop further fraud, then report the crime. Call 114 14 or visit a police station; call 112 if the crime is happening now or urgent police assistance is needed.

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