Police warn people of scam email messages

Police on Monday warned the people of the scam messages being sent by miscreants through email in guise of police, said an official press release.

The media has reported incidents where someone has received an email alleging to be from the police.

The email claims that legal proceedings have been instigated against the recipient for being in possession of pornographic material, for example.

Scam messages may contain the name of a police official and police unit.

“Messages can request a prompt response, personal information or bank details. Be alert, don’t click on links or open attachments. Don’t reply to such messages and remember they can be deleted,” said Chief Superintendent of the Police Operations Unit at the National Police Board Mikko Kiiski.

Scam letters are often written in poor language, contain an allegation of the recipient’s criminal activity and a request to provide an explanation by email. Some messages contain links or request personal information.

Scam messages try to phish for credit card numbers, bank identifiers or to gain access the recipient’s computer or laptop. The messages can also contain malware.

“Real police officers never ask for bank identifiers or ask people to send money by phone or in any other way,” Chief Superintendent Kiiski pointed out.

The official email addresses of the police end in @poliisi.fi. Police urged the people to always check the sender’s email address before replying.

The Police, however, said that addresses may also be falsified so the whole address needs to be assessed.

Several different versions of the same scam may be in circulation at the same time.

“Your matter will proceed fastest when you file a crime report online and nor will you need to phone the police,” Kiiski added.

Police also suggested to delete the email without opening the attachment, if anyone receives an email message sent in the name of the police that is suspected to be a scam.