Black Friday sales have arrived and this means that over the next few days we’re all going to increase our online spending and rely on online services, for everything from purchasing gifts to booking trips, even more. That’s why we want to encourage everyone to be particularly vigilant about online frauds and how to stay safe when shopping, paying and banking online.
At Klarna we know how important it is to ensure that consumers can rely on a smooth online experience while being protected against fraud.
Klarna’s consumer-friendly platform requires you to enter your name, address and phone number when making a purchase. Behind the scenes from our smoooth payment platform, we use sophisticated technology that scans over 180 different data points to identify potential fraudulent activity on every transaction made. We also verify the identity and address of all our customers against external data sources, including a soft credit check. If we cannot get sufficient identity confirmation from the independent data providers, we reject the transaction.
Suppose we detect that a fraudster uses someone else’s details to buy something with Klarna. In that case, our fraud team will do everything they can to stop the transaction and protect the individual’s details from further exposure within Klarna.
But we don’t stop there. We’ve got a dedicated team that is constantly adapting and improving the way we identify and manage fraud. As a result, our fraud rates are extremely low – at about half the rates reported on payment cards.
How can you protect yourself against fraud?
There are several things that you can do to protect yourself against fraudsters. A critical one is to make sure you update the password to access your email account regularly. Also, make sure to:
- Never give out your personal details to someone who has called you unexpectedly. This includes your account information and passwords or PIN – Klarna or the Police will never call you and ask for this type of information.
- Never download any software onto your PC or mobile phone when asked by someone over the phone or by email – even if you think you are speaking to a trusted organisation.
- If you are unsure about someone who has called you claiming to be from the bank or another company, hang up and call back on the company’s published telephone number.
- Use a redirection service when moving to a new home such as the one provided by the Royal Mailandinform your bank, card company and any other organisations that require your new address.
- Destroy unwanted documents including bills, bank statements or post that’s in your name, preferably by using a shredder.
- Provide as little personal information about yourself on social media as possible and only accept invitations from people you know.
- Be careful if other people have access to your post. Contact Royal Mail if you think your post is being stolen.
- Cancel any lost or stolen credit or debit cards immediately.
- If your passport, driving licence, cards or other personal information have been lost or stolen, immediately contact the organisation that issued it.
If you’re interested to learn more, these organisations provide further information on how you can best protect yourself from online and financial fraud:
- https://www.cifas.org.uk/individuals – An independent, not-for-profit organisation working to reduce fraud and related financial crime in the UK.
- https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/ – A national awareness campaign led by UK Finance and backed by Her Majesty’s Government.
- https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/ – Provide consumers free, confidential information and advice to assist with financial, legal, and consumer problems.
- https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ – UK’s national fraud and internet crime reporting centre.
What happens if you’ve been the victim of fraud?
When you use Klarna you are always protected by our Buyers Protection policy and Fraud Protection policy so on the very rare occasion we do identify a case of fraud, you don’t have to worry about paying for a purchase you did not make.
If you believe that you’ve been the victim of fraud, we encourage you to please contact us through email, 24/7 in-app chat or on the phone at 0203 005 0837 where you will be supported by our specialist team which investigates all fraud claims. You may also wish to report the fraud attempt to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and internet crime reporting centre.