Protect yourself from fraud and scams
Our priority is to keep your money and data secure when you shop with Klarna. Find tips on how to stay safe and where to turn if something doesn't feel right.
Be careful with your personal information
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with. Klarna will never ask you for your credentials over the phone, email or SMS.
What is a scam?
A scam is an attempt by criminals to trick you into sending money, sharing personal information, or giving access to your accounts by impersonating a trusted person, company, or organization. Below are the common scams you should be aware of:
Phishing is a form of social engineering where scammers trick you into revealing personal information by pretending to be from trusted companies like Klarna. These messages may come via email (phishing), SMS (smishing), or phone calls (vishing), and often contain urgent warnings like “account locked or suspended”, “unusual activity detected”, or “invoice overdue”. They typically include links that appear legitimate, but lead to fake websites designed to steal your details.
In impersonation scams, fraudsters pretend to be legitimate organizations (like Klarna), government agencies (like tax offices), banks, police, tech support or delivery companies. They may contact you by phone, email, or text and use urgent messages like “account suspended” or “payment overdue” to pressure you into sharing sensitive details like one-time codes, passwords or card details.
These scams lure victims with promises of quick profits from fake investments, cryptocurrency platforms, or lottery wins. You're asked to pay upfront—whether for taxes, fees, or an initial deposit but the reward never comes.
Robocall scams are calls pretending to be from Klarna or other trusted companies often asking users to press a number to action on financial requests or call back. They always claim a problem with your Klarna account or suspicious activity.
In online shopping scams, scammers often set up fake online shops or websites and advertise on social media, offering products at attractive prices. They accept Klarna payments but deliver nothing or send poor-quality goods.
Job scams are advertisements for fake jobs offering high pay, remote work, or fast hiring. They ask for upfront payments for training materials, account setups, or equipment, but there is no real job behind the offer.
In elderly scams, older adults are often targeted through calls or messages from people pretending to be trusted authorities or institutions like Klarna. These scams rely on fear or trust to trick victims into sending money or sharing personal data.
Spot a scammer
Think something feels off? Trust your instincts—scams often come with subtle red flags. Ask yourself these four quick questions:
Is it unexpected?
Scammers reach out via surprise calls, texts, or emails—often asking for sensitive info. They may use fear, love, or sympathy to sway you.
Feeling rushed?
Urgency is a common trick. Scammers push you to act fast to avoid penalties or loss and encourage you to keep the communication secret.
Is the website trustworthy?
Double-check the URL and look for poor spelling or formatting as these are signs of a fake site.
Is it too good to be true?
Scams often promise big rewards for odd payments (like gift cards or wire transfers). If it sounds suspicious, it probably is.
Top security tips
Follow these tips to stay ahead of fraud and scams.
Update and verify contact details
Always verify your mobile number and email to confirm your identity and ensure you receive important account updates. This allows us to contact you more quickly if we detect suspicious activity.
Check your accounts
Keep a close eye on your accounts, and make sure to report any suspicious or unauthorized transactions. Always keep your account details to yourself.
Browse safely
Only use trusted networks, and avoid carrying out transactions on public networks. Visit websites by typing the address yourself—never through random links. For social media contacts, make sure the person is who they say they are by researching their profile. Never send money or personal details to someone you have only met online.
Lock it down
Set strong passwords that are unique to each site. Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an added level of data protection.
if you suspect your personal details might be used by a third party.Update your devices
Make sure you have the most up-to-date software installed on your mobile and electronic devices.
We are committed to help you shop safely
Stay alert to protect yourself from fraudulent activity.
Watch out for Klarna alerts
We’ll alert you at checkout if: The store is new to Klarna: Check their website, contact info, return policy, and customer reviews. The store has many complaints: This may indicate delivery delays, poor service, or even fraud.
Check delivery time and return policy
If returns aren’t allowed or delivery takes too long without clear reasons, it could be a warning sign.
Read contact information and reviews
Check the store’s ratings, reviews, and contact information – a lack of reviews, mostly negative feedback, or missing contact details can be warning signs. If you can't reach the store easily or others report bad experiences, it may be safer to shop elsewhere.
How to report suspicious activity
If you’ve come across something unusual while shopping with Klarna—whether it’s a strange message or unfamiliar account activity—don’t worry, we’re here to help. Follow these steps to report the issue and let our team take care of the rest.
Fill out the form
so we can investigate. If you’ve shared any information, contact customer support through the Klarna app right to prevent any unauthorized activity on your account. Remember, Klarna will never call you to ask for your one-time code.Log into your account from a secure device, change your password, and reach out to customer support through the Klarna app if you need any extra help.
Only follow instructions given in the Klarna app. If your account is restricted, use the app to verify your details and fix the issue.
Freeze your card in the Klarna app and report the transaction to customer support. We’ll guide you through filing a dispute.
Act quickly: Contact your bank or card provider immediately to report the scam and request that any transactions be stopped. If the scam involves Klarna, report the transactions through the Klarna platform.
Report the scam: Notify the relevant authorities, such as your local police or national fraud prevention agencies.
Stop all payments: Do not send any more money. Scammers often continue to ask for more until you stop.
Secure your accounts:
Change your passwords immediately.
Block your cards in the Klarna app or follow Klarna’s
.Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) or biometric login for added security.
Retain all evidence: Keep records of all communication, transactions, and documents related to the scam to support investigations.
You can also report scams to:
File a non emergency report with the New Zealand police
or to CertNZContact the Netsafe hotline for support if you believe you’ve been the victim of a scam
Questions? Contact us
Your safety is our priority. We're available 24/7 for any security concerns or questions.
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