Protection Against Fraud and Scams in Denmark (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
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 forms of fraud:
- Payment card misuse: If your card is used without authorisation, your liability is limited to 375 kr. for unauthorised transactions (if you have not acted with gross negligence). For gross negligence the liability rises to 8,000 kr. For intent, you bear full liability.
- Online fraud: Report immediately to the police (politi.dk) and to your bank.
- Identity theft: Report to the police and to the digital identity protection service (borger.dk) — you can block your NemID/MitID.
- Prosecution: Fraud (§ 279) is punishable by up to 8 years' imprisonment in serious cases.
- Chargeback: If you paid by card for goods or services that were not delivered, you can ask your bank for a chargeback.
When does it apply?
- Your payment card, MitID or personal data 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 without authorisation in Denmark
- Contact your bank immediately — block the card and ask for a chargeback where relevant.
- Report to the police at politi.dk — a police report is needed for insurance claims and bank objections.
- If your MitID has been compromised, contact MitID support and block your digital identity.
- Report the fraud to Forbrugerombudsmanden if it involves a company operating in Denmark.
What should you NOT do?
- Never share your MitID, NemID or card PIN — no legitimate organisation will ask for these.
- Don't wait to report — your liability for card misuse rises if you do not report promptly.
- Don't transfer money to "recover earlier losses" — this is a common follow-up scam tactic.
About Consumer Rights in Denmark
If something you bought is defective, Købeloven (the Sale of Goods Act) gives you 2 years to demand repair, replacement, a proportionate price reduction or cancellation — and defects that appear within the first year are presumed to have been present at delivery. For online and distance purchases, Forbrugeraftaleloven (the Consumer Contracts Act) gives you a 14-day right of withdrawal. Misleading advertising and unfair contract terms are prohibited under Markedsføringsloven (the Marketing Practices Act), enforced by Forbrugerombudsmanden (the Consumer Ombudsman). Unresolved disputes can be brought before Forbrugerklagenævnet (the Consumer Complaints Board).
Common Questions
What is my liability if my card is misused in Denmark?
Under Betalingsloven, your liability is limited to 375 kr. for unauthorised card transactions if you have not acted with gross negligence. For gross negligence the liability rises to 8,000 kr. If you acted with intent, you bear full liability. Reporting promptly is critical — your liability can rise if you wait.
What steps should I take after fraud or payment fraud in Denmark?
Contact your bank immediately to block the card and ask for a chargeback if you paid for goods or services that were not delivered. Report to the police at politi.dk — a police report is needed for insurance and bank objections. If your MitID has been compromised, contact MitID support and block your digital identity at borger.dk.
What is the penalty for fraud under Danish criminal law?
Fraud under Straffeloven § 279 is punishable by up to 8 years' imprisonment in serious cases. You can report corporate fraud to Forbrugerombudsmanden if the company operates in Denmark. Never share your MitID, NemID or card PIN, and never transfer money to 'recover earlier losses' — this is a common follow-up scam.
What is the protection against fraud and scams right in Denmark?
Danish law protects consumers against various forms of fraud:Payment card misuse: If your card is used without authorisation, your liability is limited to 375 kr. for unauthorised transactions (if you have not acted with gross negligence). For gross negligence the liability rises to 8,000 kr. For intent, you bear full liability.Online fraud: Report immediately to the police (politi.dk) and to your bank.Identity theft: Report to the police and to the digital identity protection service (borger.dk) — you can block your NemID/MitID.Prosecution: Fraud (§ 279) is punishable by up to 8 years'...
When does it apply — protection against fraud and scams?
Your payment card, MitID or personal data has been misused.You have been scammed — received counterfeit goods, no delivery or fake investment schemes.
What should I do if I have been a victim of fraud or my payment card has been used without my authorisation in Denmark?
Contact your bank immediately — block the card and ask for a chargeback where relevant.Report to the police at politi.dk — a police report is needed for insurance claims and bank objections.If your MitID has been compromised, contact MitID support and block your digital identity.Report the fraud to Forbrugerombudsmanden if it involves a company operating in Denmark.
What should you NOT do — protection against fraud and scams?
Never share your MitID, NemID or card PIN — no legitimate organisation will ask for these.Don't wait to report — your liability for card misuse rises if you do not report promptly.Don't transfer money to "recover earlier losses" — this is a common follow-up scam tactic.