Danish authorities warn of rising scam trend targeting families and friends

A recent warning from Danish authorities highlights a rising trend in scams where criminals impersonate family members or friends via text messages. The National Unit for Special Crime (NSK) reported a significant increase in such fraud cases, with 1,151 incidents reported in the first half of 2024—five times more than in early 2023. Most victims, aged between 50 and 79, are targeted as perpetrators pose as their children to exploit their trust.

Criminals typically send messages that suggest urgency, leading victims to transfer substantial amounts of money, often between 9,000 and 35,000 kroner. In some extreme cases, individuals have transferred nearly 100,000 kroner across multiple transactions. Initially aimed mostly at women, these scams are now increasingly targeting men as well.

This type of fraud occurs through SMS and social media platforms like Facebook and Snapchat. Authorities advise that before sending any money, individuals should verbally confirm the situation either in person or via a phone call. If a call is not possible, victims are encouraged to ask personal questions that only the true person would know, such as details about shared memories.

Additionally, scammers are expanding their operations, even targeting younger individuals as young as 15 through popular messaging apps. The police have established a hotline under Sikkerdigital for those who suspect they have been scammed or are unsure how to protect themselves. This hotline provides guidance and support for victims and those seeking to avoid becoming targets of digital scams.