Scams and Fraud Protection in Denmark
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Danish law protects consumers against various types of fraud:
- Payment card fraud: If your card is used without authorisation, your liability is limited to DKK 375 for unauthorised transactions (if you were not grossly negligent). In cases of gross negligence, liability rises to DKK 8,000. For intent, you bear full liability.
- Online fraud: Report to police (politi.dk) and your bank immediately.
- Identity theft: Report to police and to the Digital Identity Protection service (borger.dk) — you can freeze your NemID/MitID.
- Criminal prosecution: Fraud (bedrageri, § 279) carries penalties up to 8 years' imprisonment for serious cases.
- Chargeback: If you paid by card for goods or services not delivered, you may request a chargeback through your bank.
When does it apply?
- Your payment card, MitID, or personal information has been misused.
- You have been scammed — received counterfeit goods, no delivery, or fake investment schemes.
What to Do If You Have Been Scammed or Your Card Has Been Used Fraudulently in Denmark
- Contact your bank immediately — block the card and request a chargeback if applicable.
- Report to the police at politi.dk — a police report is necessary for insurance claims and bank disputes.
- If your MitID was compromised, contact MitID support and block your digital identity.
- Report the scam to Forbrugerombudsmanden if it involves a business operating in Denmark.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't share your MitID, NemID, or card PIN — no legitimate organisation will ask for these.
- Don't delay reporting — your liability for card fraud increases if you fail to report promptly.
- Don't transfer money to 'recover' previous losses — this is a common secondary scam tactic.
Common Questions
What is my liability if my card is used fraudulently in Denmark?
Under Betalingsloven, your liability is limited to DKK 375 for unauthorised card transactions if you were not grossly negligent. In cases of gross negligence, liability rises to DKK 8,000. If you acted with intent, you bear full liability. Reporting promptly is essential — your liability can increase if you delay.
What steps should I take after a scam or payment fraud in Denmark?
Contact your bank immediately to block the card and request a chargeback if you paid for goods or services not delivered. Report to police at politi.dk — a police report is needed for insurance and bank disputes. If your MitID was compromised, contact MitID support and freeze your digital identity on borger.dk.
What is the penalty for fraud under Danish criminal law?
Fraud (bedrageri) under § 279 of the Straffeloven carries penalties of up to 8 years' imprisonment in serious cases. You can report business scams to Forbrugerombudsmanden if the company operates in Denmark. Never share your MitID, NemID, or card PIN, and never transfer money to 'recover' previous losses — that is a common secondary scam.
When does it apply — scams and fraud protection?
Your payment card, MitID, or personal information has been misused.You have been scammed — received counterfeit goods, no delivery, or fake investment schemes.
What should I do if I have been the victim of a scam or my payment card has been used without my permission in Denmark?
Contact your bank immediately — block the card and request a chargeback if applicable.Report to the police at politi.dk — a police report is necessary for insurance claims and bank disputes.If your MitID was compromised, contact MitID support and block your digital identity.Report the scam to Forbrugerombudsmanden if it involves a business operating in Denmark.
What should you NOT do — scams and fraud protection?
Don't share your MitID, NemID, or card PIN — no legitimate organisation will ask for these.Don't delay reporting — your liability for card fraud increases if you fail to report promptly.Don't transfer money to 'recover' previous losses — this is a common secondary scam tactic.