Scam Attempts in Norway

If you’re new to Norway or still settling in, you might be surprised to hear just how common scam attempts have become here in recent years. Whether through text/SMS, email, or even fake websites, scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated – and newcomers to Norway can be particularly vulnerable.


Why Are There So Many Scam Attempts in Norway?

Norway is a highly digital society. Most people here rely on online tools for everything – banking, taxes, ID verification, even picking up a package. While this makes everyday life super convenient, it also creates opportunities for scammers.

Phishing attacks, identity theft, and fraud linked to services like BankID, Skatteetaten (the Tax Administration), and Posten (the postal service) are becoming more frequent. Scammers are targeting both Norwegians and foreigners – especially those who may not be fully familiar with how official communication works in Norway.


Common Types of Scams to Look Out For

Here are some examples of the most common scams reported across the country:

1. Posten Delivery Messages

You might receive an SMS or email claiming there’s a package waiting for pickup, and you need to pay a small fee to release it. The link looks like it leads to Posten’s site, but it actually sends you to a fake page where scammers steal your card details.

2. Skatteetaten “Tax Refund” Emails

Scammers often pretend to be from Skatteetaten and tell you you’re owed money — all you have to do is “verify” your BankID or account details. In reality, they’re trying to access your BankID login and steal your identity or bank funds.

3. BankID Login Requests

You might get a call, email, or SMS saying there’s suspicious activity on your account and you must log in via BankID to confirm your identity. But remember: no legitimate company or government office will ever ask you to give out BankID codes or passwords outside their official websites.

4. Fake Police or Bank Calls

In some cases, scammers even call pretending to be from your bank or the police, trying to pressure you into giving them access to your account or telling you that your residence permit has been revoked.

5. Parking Scams

A common trick is an SMS claiming you haven’t paid for parking and must pay immediately. Don’t click the link. Instead, check directly in the official parking app or website.

Why Newcomers to Norway Are Often Targeted

Many scams are written in Norwegian, which can make it hard to spot red flags.
If you don’t know how services like Skatteetaten or Posten normally contact people, it’s easy to fall for something that “looks” official.


Scammers know that new arrivals are often dealing with paperwork, taxes, and registrations – so they try to catch you during this confusing period.

How to Protect Yourself

  1. Never click on suspicious links – especially if you’re asked to log in with BankID.
  2. Double-check the sender of emails and SMS. Always check the address or number carefully. Inspect any links before clicking—when in doubt, don’t click at all.
  3. Foreign phone numbers are always suspicious. If you receive an SMS from an unknown or foreign sender, treat it as suspicious. To verify, visit the sender’s official website, find their phone number, and call to confirm.
  4. Visit the official websites directly. If you get a message from Skatteetaten, Posten or any other well sender, type the official address (e.g., skatteetaten.no, posten.no) into your browser instead of clicking links in the message.
  5. Enable two-factor authentication on your bank and email accounts for extra security.
  6. Watch out for scare tactics. Messages that say things like “Your account will be closed” or “Act now” are red flags—legitimate organizations do not threaten or pressure you.

What To Do If You’re Targeted or Scammed

If you suspect a scam or you’ve already given out personal information:

  • Contact your bank immediately. They may be able to block transactions and secure your account. They can also help you with your BankID.
  • Report the incident to the police at politiet.no. You can also contact them by calling 02800.
  • Report phishing to NorSIS (The Norwegian Centre for Information Security) at norsis.no.
  • Notify Posten or Skatteetaten directly if you’ve received messages claiming to be from them.

Examples of a legit SMS

Examples of a scam SMS

Note the phone number, since you are asked to act immediately, and the missing ‘s’ in the website (URL):

Scams are, unfortunately, part of modern life – even in a safe and organized country like Norway. Staying informed and cautious is your best defense. When in doubt, pause and double-check. If something feels off, it probably is.