Most Common Klarna Scams & How to Avoid Them
Klarna scams use texts, emails, and phone calls to trick people into sharing sensitive information or money. Learn the top Klarna scam tactics, key warning signs, and how to protect yourself and older loved ones.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
About this scam type
Impersonation scams occur when criminals pretend to be Klarna through emails, texts, or calls to convince you to share personal data or complete fake transactions. Scammers use official-looking messages and social engineering to steal money or personal information, making these scams hard to spot if you do not know the warning signs.
How scammers contact victims
Most Klarna scams are delivered through SMS texts, with many also appearing as emails or phone calls. Scammers pick SMS because messages are read quickly, and they can create false urgency—pressuring you to act before you double-check if the message is real.
Who is most at risk
These scams target anyone who pays online, but scammers especially hope to trick people who may not be familiar with Klarna's policies, or who may be worried if they see account or payment alerts. Seniors, families of older adults, and those less experienced with digital payments are at higher risk.
Understanding the risk level
Klarna scams can lead to direct financial losses, unauthorized charges, stolen personal information, and even identity theft. Victims may also face stress, wasted time, and complicated recovery if their Klarna or bank account is compromised.
Most Common Klarna Scams
How it works: You receive a message claiming your Klarna account is locked, suspended, or under unusual activity. The message includes a link designed to steal your login or payment information. These sites often look exactly like Klarna’s real portal and pressure you to act immediately.
Sample Text Alert
Klarna: Unusual activity detected. Verify now to avoid account suspension: [link] Sample Email
Klarna: Your account will be deactivated in 2 hours. Confirm your identity here: [link] Red Flag Signs:
- • Links not on klarna.com or official Klarna app
- • Urgent or threatening language about suspension or lockout
- • Requests for password, payment details, or personal info
How it works: You suddenly get Klarna one-time passcodes (OTP) sent to your phone or email even though you didn’t request them. Shortly after, a scammer calls or texts pretending to be Klarna, urgently asking you to share the code to ‘secure your account’ or stop fraud.
Code Request + Call
Klarna verification code: 123456. Do not share.
Scammer call: “I’m from Klarna fraud, read me the code to secure your account.” Red Flag Signs:
- • Unexpected request for a code you did not request
- • Unsolicited calls or texts claiming to be Klarna
- • Claims the code is needed to ‘protect’ your account
How it works: You get a text or email with a fake Klarna support number. Calling it connects you to a scammer who asks for personal info, card details, or your Klarna login, often while pretending there is a security emergency.
Fake Support Text
Need help? Call Klarna now at (888) XXX-XXXX to stop payment issues. Red Flag Signs:
- • Callback numbers not found on klarna.com
- • Requests for your full card number, PIN, or login details
- • Refusal to help unless you provide sensitive info
How it works: You receive an email about a Klarna invoice or order confirmation for something you did not buy. The message tells you to click a link or call to resolve the issue, leading you to a phishing site or scammer.
Sample Invoice Email
Invoice overdue: Klarna Pay in 4. Pay now to avoid fees: [link] Red Flag Signs:
- • Claims about overdue payments for things you didn’t purchase
- • Links to unresolved invoices or unfamiliar items
- • Pressures you to click a link or call urgently
How it works: You receive a text or email offering easy remote work, claiming to be from Klarna with high pay and daily bonuses. These are fake—scammers try to steal your personal info or even ask you to pay for job ‘training’ or supplies.
Sample Job Scam Text
Klarna hiring: Earn $200-$300/day + bonus. Text back to apply. Red Flag Signs:
- • Unsolicited offers for high paying jobs
- • Requests for your personal or banking details
- • Pressure to pay for jobs, supplies, or applications
Red Flags & Warning Signs
Top 5 Phrases Scammers Use
- 1 "Your Klarna account is locked or suspended"
Creates fear and urgency so you will act without thinking
- 2 "Unusual activity detected. Verify now."
Pressures you to click a link or share details quickly
- 3 "Send me the verification code to secure your account"
Scammers want your OTP, not Klarna
- 4 "Call this number to fix your Klarna problem"
Directs you to fake support hotlines run by scammers
- 5 "Klarna hiring: Apply now for daily pay"
Unsolicited job offers that want personal details or money
Scam Warning Signs
- Links not on klarna.comReal Klarna links always use klarna.com or the Klarna app
- Requests for one-time codes or OTPKlarna will never ask for your one-time passcode
- Unknown callback numbers or support emailsAlways check support contacts at klarna.com
- Threats of immediate account suspension or legal actionLegitimate companies do not threaten you to create panic
- Pressure to pay with gift cards, crypto, or wire transferCommon scam methods, not used by real companies for resolving account issues
Legitimate Communications
- Messages direct you to access the Klarna app directlyOfficial support and help are inside the app, not via outside links or numbers
- You can confirm invoices from your Klarna app or accountAccess your Klarna orders and invoices securely by logging in yourself
- No request for passwords, OTP, or full card detailsKlarna already has your info and does not need you to share it by phone or text
- Official support contacts are listed on klarna.comCheck all support numbers and emails from Klarna’s verified website only
- No urgency or threats in the messageLegitimate Klarna messages are clear and do not pressure you
How to Protect Yourself
You can stop Klarna scams with a few simple habits. Follow these steps to keep your account and money safe.
- 1. Only Use the Klarna App or Main Website
Always start by opening the Klarna app yourself or typing klarna.com in your browser. Do not click links from texts or emails, even if they look official.
Bookmark klarna.com and use the in-app chat for support.
- 2. Never Share One-Time Passcodes
If you get a Klarna verification code you did not request, ignore it. Klarna will never call or text to ask for these codes.
Remind older family members that real banks and companies will never call to ask for codes.
- 3. Turn On 2FA and Use Strong Passwords
Enable two-factor authentication or biometrics in your Klarna app settings and choose a strong, unique password for your Klarna account.
- 4. Ignore Unknown Links and Attachments
If you get an invoice or alert about payment or orders you do not recognize, log in to Klarna from the app or main website—never open links or attachments in suspicious messages.
- 5. Hang Up and Call Klarna Directly
Never share sensitive information on unsolicited calls. Always hang up and start a new call using the official Klarna app or klarna.com support page.
- 6. Monitor Your Bank and Klarna Activity
Check your Klarna transaction history and your bank and card statements regularly. Set up alerts for new transactions, so you notice issues quickly.
Get proactive scam monitoring for your entire family with Lifeguard’s protection tools.
What to Do If You're a Victim
If you think you’ve shared info with a Klarna scammer or see unauthorized Klarna charges, take action quickly. Fast steps give you the best shot at recovering funds and stopping further harm.
- 1. Contact Your Bank or Card Issuer Immediately (Do immediately)
Call the number on the back of your bank card to report unauthorized Klarna charges and ask to freeze your account or card. The bank can stop payments or block transfers.
- 2. Secure Your Klarna Account (Do immediately)
Open the Klarna app or go to klarna.com to change your password, enable 2FA, and lock or block any connected cards. If you see suspicious logins or charges, report them inside the app.
- 3. Save All Evidence (Do immediately)
Take screenshots and write down the phone numbers, email addresses, or web addresses the scammer used.
- 4. Report the Scam (Within 24 hours)
Report Klarna scams to reportfraud.ftc.gov, FBI IC3 (ic3.gov), and BBB Scam Tracker. You can also report to Klarna within the app.
- 5. Protect Your Identity (Within 24 hours)
If you shared Social Security numbers, personal info, or bank details, place a credit freeze and fraud alert with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to help prevent identity theft.
For more help, visit <a href="https://www.klarna.com/us/customer-service/">Klarna Customer Service</a> or use the Klarna app to reach official support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Klarna will send a verification code if someone tries to log in or reset your password. If you did not request a code, do not share it with anyone and do not respond to calls or texts asking for it.
Legitimate Klarna messages never ask for your password, OTP, or payment details and do not use urgent threats. Always verify messages by using the Klarna app or typing klarna.com yourself.
Do not enter any information. Immediately close the page, change your Klarna password, turn on two-factor authentication, and monitor your account for unusual activity.
Change your Klarna password right away and contact Klarna support through the app. Also check your connected accounts and cards for unauthorized activity.
Report Klarna scams to reportfraud.ftc.gov, the FBI’s IC3, BBB Scam Tracker, and in the Klarna app. The more info you provide, the better authorities can stop the scammers.
Some BNPL purchases have limited protections, but not all BNPL transactions work like credit cards. Always check Klarna terms, and if you spot fraud, report it quickly.
Do not click any links. Check your Klarna account directly. If there is no charge, the message is a scam. If you see unauthorized activity, report it to Klarna and your bank.
Scammers send fake job offers promising easy money from Klarna, then try to steal your personal info, banking details, or money. If you are looking for work, only use official company career pages.