Fake Tax Office Scams in Sweden
Scammers impersonate Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) demanding urgent payments or stealing BankID credentials from Swedish residents.
Part of: Fake Tax Office Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Skatteverket impersonation is a recurring fraud pattern in Sweden. Fraudsters send SMS, email, or make calls claiming a tax debt or refund issue must be resolved immediately, directing victims to fake Skatteverket portals designed to harvest BankID login details or card numbers.
Because BankID is the cornerstone of Swedish digital identity — used for banking, public services, and contracts — obtaining a victim's BankID credentials allows attackers to authorise transfers and contracts on their behalf. Skatteverket has publicly confirmed it never asks for BankID authentication via unsolicited links.
How this scam works on Sweden
Victims receive an SMS claiming a tax refund of several hundred SEK is waiting, with a link to a convincing fake skatteverket.se-lookalike. The site prompts BankID sign-in, but the authentication request is actually authorising a bank transfer or a new mobile subscription.
Phone variants use spoofed caller ID showing the real Skatteverket number. A caller claims unpaid taxes of a precise SEK amount will trigger automatic wage garnishment unless paid within the hour via Swish to a 'payment reference account'.
Some operations combine both: a phishing SMS followed by a callback from a 'tax officer' who guides the victim through the BankID approval step in real time.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited SMS or email about a tax refund containing a link — Skatteverket uses post or secure e-service, not SMS links
- BankID prompt initiated by a page you arrived at via an SMS link
- Request to pay a tax debt via Swish to a personal number rather than an official account
- Caller demands same-day payment to avoid wage garnishment
- Website URL is not exactly skatteverket.se
- Unusually precise debt amount used to create false legitimacy
How to protect yourself
- Access Skatteverket only by typing skatteverket.se directly — never via SMS or email links
- Never approve a BankID request you did not initiate yourself
- Verify any claimed tax debt by logging into Mina sidor at skatteverket.se
- Hang up and call Skatteverket directly at 0771-567 567 to verify any caller's claim
- Warn elderly family members, who are more frequently targeted by voice-based variants
- Enable BankID activity alerts through your bank's app
How to report it
- Report to Polisen at polisen.se or dial 114 14
- Notify Skatteverket's fraud team at skatteverket.se so they can issue public warnings
- If BankID was misused to authorise a bank transaction, contact your bank's fraud line immediately
Frequently asked questions
Can someone misuse my BankID if I accidentally approve a request?
Yes. An approved BankID request can authorise transactions, contracts, or new credit without further confirmation. If you believe you approved a fraudulent request, contact your bank immediately.