The same systems that make everyday life smooth also make online banking security essential, especially for internationals who are still learning how things work. 

To understand the real risks and best practices, I spoke with Paula Zweigberg, Customer Advisor in the international team at OP Uusimaa.

The most common online banking scams targeting internationals

Phishing is by far the biggest threat. These scams often arrive as convincing text messages or emails pretending to come from trusted institutions, banks, tax authorities, delivery services, or even the police. The messages usually include a link and create urgency: “Your account is blocked,” “You must act immediately,” or “You have a pending refund.”

Relationship scams are also common. Someone builds trust over time, sometimes posing as a romantic partner or a relative in distress, and eventually asks for money. Another frequent tactic is impersonation: messages that appear to come from someone you know, asking for quick financial help.

What makes these scams especially dangerous in Finland is how realistic they look. Many are well-written, localised, and visually almost identical to official communication.

What should you never share, even if someone claims to be from the bank?

This is non-negotiable. A Finnish bank will never:

  • Ask for your online banking credentials or passwords
  • Send links asking you to log in
  • Ask for your card details over the phone
  • Ask for your social security number

The only links you might receive from a bank are neutral ones, such as a customer satisfaction survey after a meeting. If a bank contacts you by message, they’ll ask you to log in independently through your own app or website, not through a link.

If something feels rushed, threatening, or “too good to be true,” trust that instinct. And if you’re unsure, pause and call customer service directly to verify.

Sending money abroad: What’s the smartest approach?

You can send money internationally directly through your Finnish online bank, as long as you have the correct IBAN and BIC/SWIFT details. Fees vary depending on destination and currency exchange, so it’s smart to check costs before confirming.

What Is IBAN And Swift In Finland?  

  • When you open a Finnish bank account, your account number is already in IBAN format. IBAN is the standard across the EU and is used for both domestic and international payments within Europe.
  • For international transfers outside the EU, you’ll also need a SWIFT code, called BIC in Finland. For OP customers, the BIC is the same regardless of branch.
  • In some countries, SWIFT and BIC are used interchangeably, but they refer to the same identifier. Always double-check which details are required before confirming a transfer, especially when sending money abroad.

Many people who want to send money abroad cheap from Finland use third-party transfer apps. These can be cheaper or faster, but they don’t always follow the same regulatory protections as banks. It’s worth reviewing how each app is regulated and what protections exist if something goes wrong.

Also expect banks to ask questions if a transfer seems unusual. That’s not suspicion, it’s protection.

If you suspect fraud, what should you do immediately?

Act fast. If you notice suspicious activity or think your credentials may be compromised, call the OP deactivation service immediately. It’s available 24/7 and can block access before damage is done.

If you’re unsure whether a message is legitimate, don’t click anything. Call customer service and check first.

Most newcomers aren't careless but can get caught out because of unfamiliarity. Finnish systems assume digital confidence. Banks know this, and advisors are used to helping international customers navigate not just banking, but everyday practical questions too.

The key takeaway? Finnish online banking is safe, but only if you know the rules. Once you do, it’s one of the most secure and convenient systems you’ll use anywhere.

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Services for foreigners‍

OP International services at OP Uusimaa‍‍