Finnish police warn of social media scams targeting pensioners

The Eastern Finland Police Department has issued a warning regarding a social media scam campaign specifically targeting pensioners. Criminals are using advertisements on platforms like Facebook to promise free money or financial support, such as 1,500 euros, to entice victims into clicking malicious links.

Once users click these links, they are directed to fraudulent websites designed to steal sensitive information, including online banking credentials and credit card details. Police are investigating these incidents as payment instrument fraud.

Reported cases include a man in South Savo who lost nearly 500 euros after providing his banking details, and a woman in Northern Savo who lost over 2,200 euros after interacting with a fake S-Pankki advertisement. In another instance, a couple in Northern Savo fell victim to a similar scheme after attempting to claim the promised funds. Authorities advise the public not to click on suspicious links and to remain skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.