Økokrim discovered a new method while investigating a large fraud case. This case is a concrete example of how important it is to combat digital fraud. – This is advanced and organized economic crime that affects thousands of people – says Økokrim's head, Pål Lønseth.
Økokrim took over an internal case from PST in September, in which an individual is now a suspect and arrested for attempting numerous serious frauds using the so-called IMSI-catcher. The investigation is in its early stages, but Økokrim has discovered that the scams are still ongoing and is warning the public.
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The first such case in Norway
The suspect sent text messages with a link to a fake website where he asked for bank account information. She did this using an IMSI catcher while she was driving her car. The text messages were sent to phones located near her tracking equipment.
– This is the first case in which this method was used in Norway. We will use this case to better combat digital fraud and understand whether such methods can be prevented, says Lønseth.
Appeals to potentially injured parties to block their bank cards
The investigation revealed that bank cards that the suspect had kept were still being charged fees. There is therefore a risk that several thousand Norwegians may be defrauded in the coming days and weeks, despite the arrest of the perpetrator.
– We have revealed that fraud continues. This shows that card information is stored and used for weeks and months after it is acquired. We warn against the potential fraud in the future - warns Økokrim prosecutor, Marianne Bender.
Therefore, it encourages anyone who thinks they may be harmed to block their card.
Check if you may be injured
Økokrim knows that we are susceptible to this type of fraud in Norway. Technical prevention is key in the fight against digital fraud In Norway. We want to close these security gaps and encourage telecommunications operators to share their technical prevention methods with others.
Therefore, Økokrim has taken the initiative to establish concrete cooperation in the field of prevention with the National Office of Communications (NKOM) and the National Security Office (NSM).
– We know that fraudsters can use the telecommunications network. This is a serious problem and fraud attempts like these happen every day. We are sure that Norway needs an action plan to fight and prevent fraud. Økokrim will be happy to join these activities, but the initiative must come from the political side, because it will concern many ministries, says Lønseth.
Cooperation with DnBs Financial Cyber Crime Center
DnB has many affected clients and Økokrim is working closely with them in the investigation. However, it is important to realize that it is not only DnB customers who may be harmed. The man was arrested at the request of PST on September 10, and the case was taken over by Økokrim on September 22. After taking responsibility for the investigation, he was arrested again for four weeks until October 24.
- You stayed in Oslo or Bergen between August 17 and September 8 this year
- You have received an SMS from something that may look like DNB, DHL or Norwegian Bank
- You clicked the link and entered your card details and/or bank ID
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Source: Økokrim
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