Svindlere

Svindlere is the term used in Norwegian and Danish to describe individuals who commit fraud by deception in order to obtain money or goods. The word comes from svindle, meaning to swindle or cheat. Svindlere may operate face to face or remotely, and can target individuals, businesses, or public institutions.

Common forms of svindlere include online fraud such as phishing, business email compromise, investment scams, counterfeit or misrepresented goods, and various embezzlement schemes. Other well-known types are pyramid or Ponzi schemes, romance scams, fake charities, and fraudulent insurance or loan offers. Svindlere often use social engineering to create a sense of urgency, authority, or trust, encouraging victims to reveal personal data or transfer money.

Legal context and enforcement vary by jurisdiction but generally define fraud as deceit or misrepresentation undertaken to gain financial advantage. In Norway and other Scandinavian countries, offenses related to fraud are treated as criminal acts, with penalties that depend on the severity and circumstances of the deception. Authorities such as the police and consumer protection agencies work to investigate allegations, warn the public, and provide guidance on safe online and offline practices. International cooperation also plays a role in tackling cross-border schemes.

Prevention and reporting are central to reducing harm from svindlere. Individuals are advised to verify identities and offers, be cautious of pressure tactics or requests for upfront payments, use secure payment methods, and avoid sharing sensitive information. Suspected fraud should be reported to local law enforcement or consumer protection organizations, and on online platforms where the scam originated or was encountered.