Man on phone looking at bank card

Listen to a real scam call

Hear how convincing fraudsters can be

Learn how to stay safe

Scammers never stop refining their technique. They can be very convincing, which is why - unfortunately – they can take advantage of our trust.

A scammer recently phoned one of our customers, pretending to work for Handelsbanken. The customer recorded the call and has allowed us to share it with you, to show you how difficult their scams are to spot. 

Our fraud experts have analysed the call and highlighted three red flags for you to spot, plus some other warning signs, if you’re targeted by one of these callers.

Listen to the call

Red flag #1 - Asking for a log-on card and card reader

The scammer says:

“Can you just make sure you’ve still got your log-on card and card reader…I’ll be providing you with a challenge that will pop you through data protection”

What’s happening: The scammer needs the customer to reveal this information so he can access their account. Notice that nothing is read out loud – but the customer types it into the card reader instead. This gives the scammer the access he needs.

Stay safe: We won’t ever phone you out of the blue and ask you to do anything with your log-on card or reader.

Red flag #2 - Asking for part of a card number

The scammer says:

“Before we do that, the log-on card number should start 97526…can you confirm the rest for me please?”

What’s happening: The scammer doesn’t know the second part of the card number, so he needs to trick the customer into telling him. She’s not ‘confirming’ the info – she’s revealing it. 

Stay safe: We won't ever ask you to reveal any part of your log-on card number.

Red flag #3 - Asking for a delay before making payments

The scammer says:

“If I could ask you personally not to make any payments within the next 60 minutes…”

What’s happening: The scammer needs time to empty the customer’s accounts without being intercepted. 

Stay safe: Check your accounts on Online Banking or the app immediately after a phone call if you’re unsure. If you spot something unusual, tell your branch straight away.

Other warning signs to watch for

  • Friendly and conversational tone – Scammers often start by sounding helpful and polite. They may become aggressive if challenged.
  • False reassurance – The scammer might say things like “We’d never ask you to plug in your card reader” or “Don’t read your PIN out loud” to sound more credible.
  • Access to real account information – If a scammer has tricked you into entering details into your reader, they may be able to see your transactions and use them to make their story seem real.
  • Fake security alerts – Phrases like “We’re sending you a fraud report” or “You’ll receive a Digital ID text” are designed to make them sound authentic.

How to take control

We’re a relationship bank and we know who you are. So feel free to challenge the caller. Try asking:

  • "What’s my branch?"
  • "Who’s my account manager?"
If it’s really us on the phone we won’t mind, and we’ll know the answers. 

If in doubt, hang up and call your branch immediately, on a different phone if you can.

Be sceptical. Be suspicious. Stay safe.

Take Five