Most common scams in Sweden

Cheryl · 2025-06-19T07:58:42+02:00

Explore common scams faced by expats in Sweden, from housing fraud to online traps. Share insights and tips to stay safe in your new home.

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator19 June 2025 05:58:42

14378

Hello everyone,

Settling in Sweden as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it鈥檚 immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online traps or getting charged at an expat rate, scams can occur in various ways.
We invite you to share your experience in order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats be aware of potential scams in Sweden.

What are the most common scams targeting expats in Sweden?

What are the specific warning signs to look out for?

Have you noticed certain groups being more vulnerable (for example, retirees, new arrivals, or non-native speakers)?

What tips and advice would you like to share to help other expats?

Share your insights and experience.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
海角乱伦 Team

ekhfaiz Sweden Advisor

Member since 23 September 2014

ekhfaizSweden Advisor06 July 2025 18:48:58

227

The scams below are quite common.

People take cash as a deposit from unsuspecting new immigrants. And then either don't rent out or deduct an outrageous amount after giving them notice in a few weeks for damage to the property.
Some tenants also scam landlords. They will sign a contract and never show up, then you'll hear from the tax office that you have been receiving money from those "fake tenants" for x number of months and need to pay tax on it.
People will sell a car for cash, which is already in debt with heavy fines and unpaid taxes.