Securing your e-ID
An e-ID is an electronic identification document comparable to your passport or ID card. A strong security posture is your best defence against fraudsters who may want to scam you out of money and personal information.
As more and more of our business is done online, so too increases the need for digital identification. The e-ID is a personal document digitally verifying that you are who you say you are.
Today, there are several issuers of e-identification in Sweden, including BankID and Freja eID. To access an e-ID, you must identify yourself to the issuer of the e-ID. The e-ID is a programme in an app, on your computer, or in a digital postbox. The programme stores all traces of when and where the e-ID is used.
Treat your e-ID like your passport
Treat your e-ID as you would your passport and never use it at someone else's request. Also, protect your passwords and digital banking tokens.
Fraud attempts usually involve fraudsters pretending to call from a government agency, bank, or company to try to access your e-ID. Government authorities, banks, or reputable companies will never contact you by phone, e-mail or similar mode of communication and prompt you to log in to or download a new BankID. The individual may be socially adept and may have found out personal information about you to strengthen their credibility.
Be careful with your signature
It’s possible to sign important documents or contracts online using an e-identification, a so-called e-signature.
Learn to carefully scrutinise information when signing to help avoid fraud.
Get support from your family or friends.
Checklist: secure use of e-ID
- Never divulge your e-ID or password from your digital banking token to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
- Never let anyone else log in with your e-ID on your behalf.
- Ask to be called back or hang up if you are unsure about someone contacting you. This applies even if the person claims to be a relative, bank, business or government authority.
- Never log in with your e-identification at the request of someone else.
- Always read what you are signing in the application or online before signing. If you are unsure, you can choose to cancel.
- Don't trust anyone who contacts you despite being able to provide personal information about you. Scammers can find information about you online to trick you.
- If you are a victim, contact your bank immediately and always file a police report.