25.8.2020 08:00

Beware of technical support scam calls

Recently, Finns have received a lot of scam calls in English in the name of technical support of well-known companies. Some scam calls have also come in Finnish. These phone calls may come from a Finnish or a foreign number. Calls have been made at least in Elisa and Microsoft’s name.

During such a call, the caller attempts to get the person who answered the call to install various applications on their device, such as a computer, tablet or smart phone, by claiming that there is a problem with the device’s information security. This form of scam is common abroad. 

By means of the installed applications, the scammers will try to gain access to the device and to obtain and use the device owner’s online bank user ID or payment card details. On some pretext, the scammers may also ask the person who answered the call to disclose the information or send an image of their personal ID document. Scammers will use the obtained information to transfer money from accounts or to make unauthorised payments with payment cards. 

Never disclose your user ID or passwords to anyone

Do bear in mind that these kinds of phone calls are always scams. Technical support will never call the users unless the users themselves have first requested support. So, never reveal your online bank user ID, payment card details or passwords to anyone who contacts you by phone. The persons asking for this information are always scammers.

What to do if you suspect that you have fallen victim to a scam call

If you have received this kind of a phone call and installed an application on your device at the caller’s request, here’s what you should do:

  • Immediately deactivate your online bank user ID and all your payment cards by calling OP Customer Service at 0100 0500.
  • Outside service hours, deactivate your user ID by calling OP Deactivation Service at +358 100 0555 (24/7). Be sure to also call our Customer Service during service hours to report the incident.
  • When calling, remember to mention that a technical support scam call was made and, as a result, you installed new software or applications on your device.
  • Check if there are any debits to your account or payment card that you don’t recognise. Report them, too, when calling OP Customer Service or OP Deactivation Service.
  • Clean your device or have a professional do it and remove the applications installed due to the scam.
  • Don’t start using your new online bank user ID until the device has been cleaned.

Read more about technical support scam calls on the webpages of the National Cyber Security Centre.