Police Region Mitt has received new reports of fraudsters pretending by text message to be a recipient's child or a public authority. Several older people have lost money.
What happened?
In one method, the sender claims to be a relative using a new number. In another, the message alleges unpaid fees or fines. Police say some victims who disclosed bank details lost much more than the small initial amount mentioned.
Location
Polisregion Mitt, Gävleborg, Uppsala län, Västmanland
Impact and significance
Fraudsters exploit urgency and trust. Verifying a claim through an already known contact route can break the manipulation. Never disclose card or bank details, use BankID or transfer money at an unknown person's request.
Background
Police encourage families to discuss these methods with older relatives. Suspected attempts can be reported even when no money was transferred. WUA does not collect messages, financial details or reports.
Latest update
The warning was published on 7 August and describes continuing reports. Call 114 14 to report suspected fraud or 112 during an immediate emergency. This summary is based on the cited public source and reflects the information available when WUA reviewed it on 18 August 2026. It does not replace current instructions from the responsible authority, municipality or organiser. If dates, times, conditions or implementation have changed, the latest information on the original page takes precedence. The headline and text have been editorially rewritten to separate verifiable facts from the source's own assessments. No information outside the cited material has been used to fill gaps; readers should follow the source links for full context. WUA checked the page title, date, location, amounts and status where available, but has not verified matters that the source leaves open, such as final costs, attendance, permits or future results. Time-sensitive details were checked against the source at review, but practical decisions must always rely on the responsible organisation's current notice. WUA does not accept registrations, applications, votes, payments or personal data for the services described and cannot confirm individual eligibility.
Sources
Related analysis
Reviewed: 2026-08-17. Independent editorial content. WUA Sverige is not affiliated with any political party.