Right now: Scammers are using fake loan applications to phish for user IDs – beware of scam calls supposedly made by a bank

Scammers are posing as bank representatives in calls claiming that a loan application or loan guarantee application has been made in the customer’s name. In order to cancel the application, the caller asks for the customer’s online bank username, password and (in some cases) other details.

Never reveal your banking user ID to a third party. If you receive a call like the one described above, end the call immediately. Then call your bank’s official Customer Service number and report the scam call.

Here’s how to make sure that you are truly speaking to a bank’s customer service representatives

  1. Remember that your bank would never ask you to reveal your username and password over the phone.
  2. Check the correct Customer Service number from your bank’s homepage.
  3. If you use the OP-mobile application, you can request confirmation of call details during the phone call.

Scammers try to exploit a sense of urgency and financial risk

Scammers will try to create a sense of panic and urgency by claiming that your money is at risk in some way. This can cloud your judgement and make you vulnerable to being scammed. Remember the following tips about safe use of banking services:

  • Stay calm and think about the caller’s possible intentions, even in unexpected situations that seem urgent.
  • No banking matter is so urgent that, if you feel uncomfortable or suspicious, you won’t have time to end the call and then call the bank’s Customer Service number.
  • Banks never use a so-called ”safe account”, to which money at risk can be moved. Only criminals use this method, when trying to get victims to move their money into the criminal’s account.

If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud

If you need help with assessing a doubtful situation or suspect that you have been a victim of fraud, call our Customer Service on 0100 0500 (personal customers) or 0100 05151 (corporate customers). Our Customer Service is open on Mon–Fri, 8.00–16.00. Outside these times, call OP’s Deactivation Service on 0100 0555; this service is open 24/7. Be sure also to call Customer Service during service hours to report the incident.

This is how our messages differ from scam messages

The bank or authorities never make calls in which they ask customers to give their online user identifiers, make payments, or install an app on a device via a link sent by the caller.

We will never send you messages with a link to our online service’s login page. Nor will the bank ever ask you for your user identifiers or card details through messages. Such messages are scams – do not click on the links in the messages.

Even when receiving or cancelling a payment, you do not need to log in via a link, confirm with codes, or give your details. If you are asked to do this, call the bank's Customer Service phone number (after going to the bank’s website to verify the number for yourself).