TV4 stylist Siroun Forsberg's Facebook account was hacked, leading to a scam where her friends were tricked into sending nearly 120,000 SEK. The fraudster posed as Forsberg, asking for money via Swish for a fake furniture sale. The incident highlights the growing issue of social media scams, prompting police warnings.
TV4 Stylist Warns: Scammed Out of 120,000 SEK by Fraudsters
TV4 Stylist Warns: Scammed Out of 120,000 SEK by Fraudsters
TV4 stylist Siroun Forsberg had her Facebook account hacked. In just a few hours, the fraudster managed to deceive her friends out of nearly 120,000 SEK.
– My heart breaks for everyone who lost money, she says.
Just over a week ago, Siroun Forsberg, a stylist at TV4, had her Facebook account compromised. Messages appearing to be from Siroun asked friends to Swish money for a sofa. In reality, it was the fraudster writing – successfully tricking her friends out of almost 120,000 SEK, according to TV4.
Siroun was out walking her dog when she learned what had happened.
– My phone started pinging, and I thought: "something's on fire somewhere." Then I saw one after another realizing they had been scammed out of money, she says.
In total, 43 friends Swished between 2,500 and 4,500 SEK to the fraudster, believing they were helping Siroun.
Then came the next step from the fraudster.
Several ads in Siroun Forsberg's name were posted on Facebook Marketplace, making it look like she was selling furniture at bargain prices. The fraudster even gave out her home address.
– Then people were outside with trailers to pick up sofas and appliances, who were naturally very angry.
Some who were scammed called her names and demanded their money back, she explains.
– It was really tough.
Siroun doesn't know how many were scammed by the Facebook ads.
– My heart breaks for everyone who lost money.
Now, Siroun Forsberg has reported the incident to the police.
She is not alone in being targeted by Swish scammers. The police have previously issued warnings about similar scams where relatives are asked to Swish to unknown numbers:
Anyone contacted by a friend asking for money on social media is urged to be cautious.