One Call Can Prevent a Cyber Scam

Cyber scams have become an everyday challenge for export companies. They are not just an IT security risk, they can lead to significant financial losses. Criminals exploit complex supply chains and international payment systems. However, a simple action can often prevent fraud: make a phone call and verify your partner’s authenticity before taking any steps. Strong cybersecurity is a competitive advantage in global markets.

Phishing and identity theft are among the most common cyber threats. Criminals may try to access emails and impersonate companies. They can also copy corporate websites and push them to the top of search results using paid ads.

– One of the biggest threats is stealing user credentials through phishing. This allows criminals to read emails and send messages in your name, says Marko Saarela, Finnvera’s Chief Information Security Officer. 

On social media, criminals create fake copies of legitimate company accounts across platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Artificial intelligence has introduced new opportunities for identity theft, but it also offers companies new tools for protection. 

Business Scams Target Export

Export companies are particularly attractive targets because international supply chains and payment arrangements are complex.

– We’ve seen a growing trend in recent years targeting export companies, which indirectly affects export financing. Domestic companies are tricked into delivering goods without the buyer ever intending to pay. Criminals use AI and impersonate trusted companies, says Anne Haataja, Senior Compliance Officer at Finnvera.

Fraud can involve third parties posing as agents or intermediaries for the actual buyer. Sometimes the buyer company exists but acts as a front for criminal activity. Detecting these cases requires vigilance, but Finnish companies have good chances of success with clear operating models.

It’s About Money and Responsibility

Finnish companies are not immune to scams. According to the financial sector, fraud caused Finnish businesses losses of about 63 million euros in 2024, while banks stopped an additional 44 million euros worth of fraud attempts before funds reached criminals. When a fraudster poses as an agent or intermediary, payments are directed to criminal accounts instead of the real buyer. Once the payment is made, it is rarely recovered because the company approved it. If the buyer acts as a front for criminals, consequences can be even more severe, such as sanctions evasion, money laundering, terrorist financing, or other criminal activities. That’s why every contact and payment arrangement must be carefully verified.

Cyber Threats for Export Companies

• Phishing: Capturing emails and user credentials is the most common attack method.
• Fake Companies: Shell companies set up quickly by criminal networks.
• Fraudulent Websites: Copied websites and social media accounts redirect customers to criminals.
• Artificial Intelligence: Criminals use AI, but companies can also leverage it for protection.

Five Tips for Detecting Scams

1. Question unexpected contacts. Why are they reaching out to you?
2. Don’t click links in unknown or unexpected emails. Verify the sender first.
3. Call and confirm authenticity. A phone call can expose impersonators.
4. Check website credibility. Review site quality and image sources.
5. Beware of urgency and offers that seem too good to be true. If it sounds too good, it probably is.

Preparedness Brings Advantage

Cybersecurity is not just essential, it can be a competitive edge. A company that manages risks and demonstrates strong security to partners is an attractive collaborator in global markets.

Marko Saarela reminds us that online, anyone can pretend to be anything, and traditional trust culture doesn’t work on the internet. Criminals can operate from anywhere in the world.

According to Anne Haataja, the best protection is patience and common sense: when a company prepares carefully, cybersecurity can become a strength that supports exports.