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 organisation. 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 pose as legitimate organizations (such as Klarna), government agencies (such as the Swedish Tax Agency), banks, the police, tech support, or delivery companies. They contact you by phone, email, or SMS and use urgent messages such as “account blocked” or “unpaid invoice” to pressure you into sharing sensitive information, such as 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 will take your payment, 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.
We're committed to helping you shop safely
Protect yourself from fraudulent activity with these warning signs.
Look out for Klarna alerts
We'll warn you at checkout if:
The store is new to Klarna: Check the store's website, contact details, return policy, and customer reviews.
The store has many complaints: This could mean delivery issues, poor service, or fraud.
Check delivery times and the return policy
If returns aren't accepted or delivery times are unusually long without a clear reason, it could be a warning sign.
Check contact details and reviews
Check the store's ratings, reviews, and contact details. Missing information, mostly negative reviews, or trouble reaching the store could all be warning signs. Consider shopping somewhere else.
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 here so we can investigate. If you've shared any information, contact customer service immediately through the Klarna app to prevent unauthorized activity on your account. Remember, Klarna will never call you to ask for your one-time code.
Log in to your account from a secure device, change your password, and contact customer service through the Klarna app if you need more help.
Only follow the instructions in the Klarna app. If your account is restricted, use the app to verify your details and resolve the issue.
Block your card in the Klarna app and report the transaction to customer service. We'll help you file a report.
- 1.
Act fast: Contact your bank or card issuer immediately to stop any transactions. If Klarna is involved, report the transactions via Klarna.com or the Klarna app.
- 2.
Report the fraud: Contact the Swedish police or the relevant national authorities.
- 3.
Stop all payments: Don't send any more money. Scammers will often keep going until you stop paying.
- 4.
Secure your accounts:
- 4.1.
Change your passwords immediately.
- 4.2.
Block your cards in the Klarna app or lock your account.
- 4.3.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
- 4.4.
Save all evidence: Keep any messages and documents for the investigation.
Also report fraud to:
Get guidance from Swedish police on reporting fraud at https://polisen.se/utsatt-for-brott/polisanmalan/bedrageri/bedragerier/. Some types of fraud, such as card fraud, can be reported online if you have Swedish ID. For others, you'll need to call 114 14 or visit a police station
Questions? Contact us
Your safety is our priority. We're available 24/7 for any security concerns or questions.