In urgent cases
- Call us anytime at +371 26668777 or +371 67779988.
- If the situation requires immediate action, call the State Police at the emergency number 112. If you are outside Latvia, call +371 67014002.
If you have become a victim of fraud, it is important to block access to your funds as quickly as possible.
Examples of urgent situations:
- Fraudsters have obtained your personal data or access codes.
- Fraudsters have logged into your internet bank.
- Fraudsters have access to your payment card.
- Fraudsters are making transfers from your account or using your card funds.
- Following fraudsters’ instructions, you have downloaded malicious software to your computer or phone.
- Fraudsters are trying to obtain your funds by asking you to hand over your payment card or cash to a courier they have sent.
Reporting to the police
Fraud cases should not be handled on your own – you must contact the State Police. This is important because in some cases law enforcement may be able to freeze stolen funds and prevent further criminal activity. We cooperate with the police by providing all possible information that can help with the investigation.
What to include in your report:
- Detailed information about the incident.
- How your rights or financial assets were affected.
- Any other information that could help uncover the crime or violation.
- Your personal details and contact information for further communication.
How to submit a written report requesting an investigation:
- In person at any police station or by sending the report by post to a police unit.
- By logging in to the portal latvija.gov.lv and sending an e-adress message to the State Police.
- By signing the report with eParaksts or Smart-ID and sending it to pasts@vp.gov.lv.
- More detailed information about submitting reports is available on the State Police website.
Fraud attempts
If the situation is not urgent, for example, fraudsters contacted you but you did not share your data and no fraudulent transactions have been made with your funds – please contact us in the way that is most convenient for you:
- Send us an email at info@seb.lv.
- Use the chat feature on our website.
- Book an in-person consultation.
Disputing transactions
You can initiate a payment dispute process for fraudulent transactions. Starting this process does not guarantee that the stolen funds will be returned, but it can help clarify what happened and uncover important information about the fraudsters.
The dispute procedure depends on the type of payment:
- Transfer in the internet bank: open the internet bank section Accounts – Account statement, click on the transaction you want to dispute, and select “Revoke payment”. Then fill in the application form.
- Card payment: open the internet bank section Accounts – Account statement, click on the transaction you want to dispute, and select “Dispute the transaction”. Indicate the reason for the dispute and click “Send”. Learn more on our website's section on card transaction disputes.
Most common fraud schemes
Phone scams
Fraudsters call and pretend to be representatives of a bank, the State Police, or another official institution. They ask many questions to gather information about the potential victim and create a sense of urgency to cause fear and stress.
Real example:
Our client received a call from their “mobile operator,” offering to install a special security programme on the phone to protect against fraudsters. The next day, the client received a call from the “bank,” warning that an unauthorised payment had been attempted overnight, supposedly linked to the previously installed programme. To protect the money, the client was told to withdraw funds from the account and hand them over to a State Police representative. The payment card also had to be handed over for “expert examination,” as fraudsters might have obtained card details. That same day, the client withdrew the maximum amount from an ATM and handed it, along with the card, to a young man on the street posing as a police officer.
- Do not share your personal data, access codes, passwords, or other sensitive information during a phone call.
- To verify the caller, end the call and contact the institution directly using the official contact details on its website.
- Never hand over your payment card or cash to anyone based on a phone conversation.
- Do not install remote access software on your devices.
- Do not let yourself be intimidated by threats of account blocking, fines, or criminal liability. In emergencies, we can block your bank card, stop a transaction, and take other actions without PIN confirmation. If needed, you can also block your card in the internet bank or mobile app.
- If someone instructs you on what to say to the bank if it asks about unusual transactions, this is a clear sign of fraud. Fraudsters will try to convince you that the actions you are taking must remain completely secret.
- We never contact our customers via messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc.
Investment fraud
Fraudsters promise easy profits if you invest money in their project. For example, in cryptocurrencies, stocks, or some other “special project.” They may call from a foreign number, speak convincingly, and show fake websites where your money appears to “grow rapidly.” In reality, their goal is to steal your money.
Real example:
Our client received a call from a stranger offering to invest 1000 euros. Once this amount was “invested,” the fraudsters displayed on their website how the money was “growing” in the financial markets. This convinced the client to deposit increasingly larger sums. In the end, more than 5000 euros was handed over to the fraudsters, without receiving anything in return.
- Do not answer or call back foreign numbers.
- Never entrust your money to strangers who call you.
- Do not allow remote access to your devices or share your screen.
- If someone promises quick and large profits – it is most likely a scam.
- Invest only through trusted and registered companies in Latvia.
- If in doubt, talk to someone you trust or a financial specialist.
- If you have already transferred money – contact the bank and the police immediately.
Phishing
Fraudsters try to trick you into revealing passwords, bank details, or other personal information. They contact you by phone, email, or text message. They often pretend to be employees of a bank or another trusted company and urge you to act quickly.
Real example:
Our client received an email that appeared to be from the bank. The message asked the client to confirm a payment. By clicking the link, the client was taken to a website where they were asked to log in using their bank user ID and password. Once the victim entered these details, the fraudsters gained access, and shortly after, the account was emptied.
- Never share your access codes or passwords with anyone, including by email, text message, or phone.
- Do not click on suspicious links.
- The bank will never ask you to disclose your data in this way.
- If you have doubts, contact the company using the official website.
Other fraud schemes
What is it?
Fraudsters use voice deepfake technology to call you, imitating the voice of a close relative. The “relative” cries or panics, claiming to have had an accident and urgently asks you to transfer money for an “operation,” “bail,” or similar. The goal is to scare you and quickly steal your money.
Example:
A man received a call from his “son,” who was crying and saying he had been in an accident abroad. To cover hospital bills, 1500 euros had to be sent immediately. Panicking, the man transferred the money, only to later find out that his son was actually at home – safe and sound.
How to protect yourself:
- End the call and call your relative back on their real number.
- Ask a “control question” that only you both know.
- Never transfer money based on a sudden phone call.
- Inform your family and friends so they are aware of such scams.
- If you have already paid – contact the bank and the police immediately.
What is it?
A money mule is a person who allows someone else’s money to be transferred into their account and then forwards it or withdraws it in cash. In return, the mule is promised quick and easy profit. This money often comes from criminal activity, and the mule themselves can be held criminally liable.
Example:
A young person found an offer on social media to “earn 100 euros per hour.” They allowed their account to be used for “money transfers.” Later, it turned out the account was used in fraud, and a criminal case was initiated against them.
How to protect yourself:
- Do not believe promises of easy and quick money.
- Never share your account or card details with strangers.
- Do not allow others to use your account or handle your money.
- Remember that such actions can lead to criminal liability.
What is it?
Fraudsters pretend to be someone in love to start an online relationship and gain your trust. Once an emotional connection is established, they begin asking for money, gifts, or intimate photos, which can later be used against you.
Example:
A woman met an “overseas doctor” online who promised to visit her. He repeatedly asked for money to cover travel and document expenses. She transferred more than 3000 euros, but the meeting never happened.
How to protect yourself:
- Be cautious when sharing personal information and photos online.
- Never send money to people you have not met in person.
- If you have doubts, verify the person’s information online.
- Stop communication if the other party starts manipulating or threatening you.
- If you have been scammed – report it to the police and the bank immediately.
What is it?
Fraudsters offer “favourable” loans online or on social media, but before sending the money, they ask you to pay an “advance fee” – for the contract, insurance, or notary services. The loan is never transferred, and your money disappears.
Example:
A woman applied online for a loan with very low interest rates. She was asked to pay 150 euros as a “processing fee” to a foreign account. After that, communication stopped, and she never saw her money again.
How to protect yourself:
- Never pay an advance fee for a loan you have not received.
- Do not share your personal data or documents with strangers.
- Take loans only from licensed lenders.
- If in doubt, check the offer online and consult with someone you trust.
- If you have already paid – contact the bank and the police immediately.
What is it?
You receive an email or message claiming that you have inherited a large sum of money or received a donation from abroad. To “receive” the money, you are asked to cover certain costs – for a notary, account setup, documents, etc. In reality, there is no inheritance, and your money disappears.
Example:
A woman received an email from an “attorney” stating that she had inherited 2 million dollars. Over several months, she paid more than 5000 euros for “document processing,” but never received any money.
How to protect yourself:
- If you were not involved in an inheritance process – do not trust such messages.
- Do not transfer money or share your personal data with strangers.
- Do not open suspicious links or attachments.
- If in doubt, consult someone you trust.
- If you have already transferred money – report it to the bank and the police immediately.
What is it?
Fraudsters pose as your business partner and send a fake invoice that includes the fraudsters’ account number instead of your partner’s. If you make the payment, the money goes to the fraudsters, not your partner. Such cases happen to both companies and individuals.
Example:
A company received an email from a “long-term partner” with a new invoice and a note that the bank account had changed. After making the payment, it turned out the email was fake, and the money went to the fraudsters.
How to protect yourself:
- Never make payments to a new account without confirming it first.
- Check email addresses, language, and invoice details carefully.
- If a partner informs you about a change of account – call them and verify it is true.
- If fraud has occurred – immediately notify the bank, your partner, and the police.
What is it?
Fraudsters send a fake invoice for a product or service you never ordered. Hoping you won’t notice, they expect you to simply pay it. Such invoices are sent to both businesses and individuals.
Example:
A woman received an invoice by email for a supposedly ordered printer. The invoice looked convincing, and she paid it. Later, it turned out that neither the product nor the company existed – it was a scam.
How to protect yourself:
- Pay only for what you have actually ordered.
- If an invoice looks suspicious – contact the company directly.
- Do not open emails from unknown senders.
- If you have already transferred money – report it to the bank and the police immediately.
What is it?
Fraudsters impersonate a company executive and send an email stating that an urgent and confidential payment must be made. The email may look genuine – even appearing to come from the manager’s address. The goal is to pressure an employee into transferring money to the fraudsters’ account.
Example:
An accountant received an email from the “boss” requesting a transfer of 25 000 euros to partners outside the European Union. The email emphasised urgency and confidentiality. She made the transfer – later it turned out the boss knew nothing about it.
How to protect yourself:
- Check whether the email really comes from the manager – including details like the address, writing style, and attachments.
- Do not trust urgent and secret requests to transfer money.
- If in doubt – call the manager or discuss with a colleague.
- If fraud has already occurred – immediately inform management, the bank, and the police.
What is it?
Fraudsters claim that you have “won” a prize, even though you never participated in any lottery. They pretend to represent well-known companies and ask you to provide personal data or make a payment to “receive” the prize.
Example:
A woman received a message saying she had won a new phone in a “telecommunication promotion.” To claim the prize, she had to enter her details and pay 2 euros. Afterwards, more than 300 euros was stolen from her account.
How to protect yourself:
- Never provide your personal data or make payments if you did not participate in a lottery or promotion.
- Do not trust messages about “prizes” from unknown profiles or numbers.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links – they may infect your device.
- If you have been scammed – report it to the bank and the police immediately.
What is it?
You are offered to buy a product through an online marketplace or e-shop. The price is often significantly lower than in official stores.
Example:
A man wanted to buy concert tickets through an online marketplace because they were sold out on the official site. Suddenly, a seller appeared offering tickets at a very attractive price, promising to send them as soon as payment was received. After the money was transferred, the buyer was blocked on the platform. Of course, the concert tickets never arrived.
How to protect yourself:
- Shop only at trusted and verified online stores.
- To confirm the reliability of a seller or e-shop, search online for reviews from other buyers. Check multiple sources.
- Pay attention to prices. Fake e-shops often offer huge discounts and “exclusive” deals.
- When shopping online, check technical details of the website. For example, look for errors or suspicious characters in the URL.
- Verify that the e-shop provides the seller’s contact information so you can reach them if needed.
