At APS International AB, protecting our customers from fraud is a top priority. Fraudsters are constantly developing new methods to steal money, personal information, and account credentials. By staying informed and vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

Common Fraud Methods

Phishing Emails and Text Messages

Fraudsters often send emails or text messages that appear to be from banks, government agencies, delivery companies, or payment providers.

These messages may:

• Ask you to verify account details.
• Request passwords, verification codes, or BankID credentials.
• Contain links to fake websites designed to steal your information.

Remember: APS International AB will never ask you to disclose your password, BankID security codes, card PIN, or one-time authentication codes.

Telephone Scams

Fraudsters may call claiming to be:

• Your bank
• The police
• APS International AB
• A government authority

They often create a sense of urgency by claiming:

• Your account is under attack.
• A suspicious transaction has been detected.
• Immediate action is required to protect your money.

If you receive such a call:

• End the call immediately.
• Contact the organisation directly using publicly available contact details.
• Never share security credentials over the phone.

Social Media and Messaging Fraud

Criminals frequently compromise social media accounts and messaging applications.

They may:

• Pretend to be friends or family members.
• Request urgent financial assistance.
• Ask you to transfer money or provide verification codes.

Always verify requests independently before sending money.

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when a criminal obtains and uses your personal information without your permission to commit fraud or other criminal activities. This information may include your name, address, date of birth, identification documents, bank account details, card information, or digital credentials such as BankID and online banking login details.

Fraudsters may use stolen information to:

• Open financial accounts.
• Apply for loans or credit.
• Conduct fraudulent transactions.
• Impersonate you online.

Protect your identity by:

• Keeping identification documents secure.
• Never sharing personal information unnecessarily.
• Reporting lost or stolen identification documents immediately.

Romance Fraud

Romance fraud occurs when a criminal creates a fake relationship with a victim to gain their trust and ultimately persuade them to send money or disclose sensitive personal information. Fraudsters often use social media platforms, dating websites, messaging applications, and online forums to identify potential victims. They typically spend weeks or even months building a relationship before making requests for money.

How Romance Fraud Works

Fraudsters commonly:

• Create fake online profiles using stolen photographs and false identities.
• Claim to work overseas, in the military, or in international business.
• Build emotional trust through frequent communication.
• Avoid meeting in person or making video calls.
• Invent emergencies requiring financial assistance.
• Request money transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency payments, or access to bank accounts.
• Encourage victims to receive or transfer funds on behalf of a third party.

The requests often become increasingly urgent and emotional over time.

Warning Signs

Be cautious if someone:

• Declares strong feelings very quickly.
• Refuses to meet in person despite repeated requests.
• Consistently has excuses for why they cannot video call.
• Requests money for travel, medical expenses, visas, legal fees, or business opportunities.
• Asks you to receive or transfer money through your bank account.
• Requests copies of your identification documents or personal information.
• Pressures you to keep the relationship secret.

Protect Yourself

• Never send money to someone you have not met in person.
• Be cautious of online relationships that progress unusually quickly.
• Verify photographs and information provided by the individual.
• Speak to friends or family members if you are unsure.
• Never allow your bank account to be used to receive or transfer funds on behalf of another person.
• Never share your BankID credentials, passwords, or personal identification documents.

If You Suspect Romance Fraud

If you believe you may be the victim of a romance scam:

1. Stop all communication with the individual.
2. Do not send additional money.
3. Contact your bank immediately if any payments have been made.
4. Report the matter to the police.
5. Inform APS International if any transfers were initiated through your APS account.

Romance fraud can affect anyone. Fraudsters are highly skilled at manipulating emotions and building trust. Taking time to verify information and discussing concerns with trusted friends or family members can help prevent financial loss.

Money Mule Recruitment

Criminals may offer easy money in exchange for allowing funds to pass through your bank account.

This activity, known as money muling, is a criminal offence.

Warning signs include:

• Job offers requiring little work but promising high returns.
• Requests to receive and forward money.
• Requests to use your bank account for someone else’s transactions.

Never allow another person to use your account to receive or transfer funds.

How to Protect Yourself

Keep Your Information Secure

• Never share passwords, PINs, BankID credentials, or authentication codes.
• Use strong and unique passwords.
• Enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.

Verify Before You Act

• Be cautious of unexpected requests involving money.
• Verify the identity of the person contacting you.
• Contact organisations using official contact details.

Protect Your Devices

• Keep software and antivirus programs updated.
• Install security updates promptly.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions.

Monitor Your Accounts

Review your bank statements and transaction history regularly.

Immediately report:

• Unauthorised transactions.
• Unexpected account activity.
• Suspicious communications.

What APS International AB Does to Protect Customers

APS International maintains a robust fraud prevention framework that includes:

• Customer identity verification.
• Transaction monitoring.
• Fraud detection controls.
• Enhanced due diligence for higher-risk transactions.
• Sanctions and PEP screening.
• Suspicious activity reporting to the relevant authorities where required.

Transactions may occasionally be delayed while additional verification checks are performed. These measures help protect both customers and the financial system from fraud and financial crime.

If You Suspect Fraud

If you believe you have been targeted by fraud or that your account has been compromised:

1. Contact your bank immediately.
2. Report the matter to the police by calling 114 14..
3. Contact APS International Customer Support without delay by calling +46 76-8123603.
4. Do not send additional funds until the matter has been investigated.

Stay Alert

Fraudsters rely on pressure, urgency, and deception. Take time to verify information before making payments or sharing personal details.

When in doubt, stop, think, and contact APS International directly.