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Avoiding Scams

December 11, 2025 by
Avoiding Scams
Nepali in Finlamd

 Avoiding Scams in Finland

While Finland is generally safe, newcomers and students should be careful about scams related to housing, jobs, online sales, and financial transactions. This section helps you recognize and avoid common frauds.

1. Common Scams to Watch For

A. Housing Scams

  • Fake landlords asking for full rent or deposit upfront before signing a contract.

  • Apartments advertised at unusually low rent rates.

  • Landlords who refuse to meet in person or provide official documents.

Tip: Only pay rent after signing a legitimate lease. Verify the landlord and property through the housing foundation or real estate platform.

B. Job & Work Scams

  • Job offers that promise high salaries with no experience or require payment upfront for training.

  • Fake internships asking for personal information or fees.

Tip: Verify job postings on official university job boards or recognized platforms. Never pay for a job or internship.

C. Online & Marketplace Scams

  • Selling items online with requests for advance payment via bank transfer.

  • Fake websites mimicking official portals (e.g., housing or ticket sales).

Tip: Use trusted platforms, meet in person if possible, and never share sensitive personal info online.

D. Banking & Financial Scams

  • Emails, calls, or messages pretending to be from banks, Kela, Migri, or tax authorities asking for passwords, PINs, or transfers.

Tip:

✔ Finnish authorities never ask for passwords or payment over email or phone.

✔ Always use official websites and verified contact methods.

E. Hundi / Informal Money Transfers

  • Sending money to Nepal or receiving Euros through informal channels (Hundi / Hawala) can be risky and illegal in Finland.

  • Common scams include:

    ✔ Fake agents asking for upfront fees

    ✔ Lost money during the transfer

    ✔ Identity theft or personal information misuse

Safe Alternatives:

✔ Use official banks, Western Union, MoneyGram, or Remitly for sending money

✔ Always check exchange rates, fees, and official licenses

✔ Avoid informal or unverified agents

Remember: Illegal money transfer services may lead to fines or legal action in Finland.

F. Scholarship & Grant Scams

  • Promises of scholarships requiring fees for processing.

Tip: Confirm all scholarships via official university or organization websites.

2. How to Protect Yourself

✔ Verify all information from official sources (DVV, Migri, Kela, Vero, universities).

✔ Keep copies of contracts, receipts, and communications.

✔ Use secure payment methods; avoid cash transfers to unknown individuals.

✔ Check reviews or references for landlords, employers, and service providers.

✔ Ask for help from trusted community members or Nepali associations if unsure.

3. Reporting Scams

4. Tips for Students and Newcomers

✔ Be cautious with “too good to be true” offers

✔ Cross-check housing, jobs, scholarships, and money transfer services with official websites

✔ Always read and understand your lease, contract, or agreement before signing

✔ Educate friends and peers about scams, including Hundi-related risks

⚠️ Important Reminder

Scams evolve constantly. Always double-check offers, websites, and individuals. Never give personal information or money to unverified sources. Using informal money transfer services (Hundi) can be illegal and dangerous. If you spot a scam, report it immediately to the police or consumer authority.

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