Phone scams in Latvia: verified facts
This page collects publicly verifiable facts about fraudulent calls in Latvia. Each claim is followed by its direct source, the period it covers and the date it was last checked.
- Smart-ID
- Smart-ID and banks do not ask users to disclose PINs or passwords over the phone.
- Smart-ID security guidance on scams · publication date not stated · checked:
- Bank of Latvia warning about fraudulent calls · published 2023-10-05; updated 2023-10-06 · checked:
- Caller ID
- The number displayed on screen does not by itself verify the caller's identity.
- Bank of Latvia guidance on spoofed caller ID · published 2022-07-11 · checked:
- State Police guidance on caller ID spoofing · published 2022-08-30 · checked:
- 2025
- CERT.LV and Sadales tīkls documented scams using meter inspection or replacement as a pretext.
- CERT.LV monthly cyber-threat review · September 2025 · checked:
- Sadales tīkls warning about meter-replacement scams · published 2025-12-02 · checked:
- 8 digits
- SPRK's standard plan includes the 2, 6, 70/71, 78, 80, 81 and 90 ranges; a prefix does not identify the caller.
- SPRK explanation of Latvia's numbering plan · publication date not stated · checked:
Direct source
Direct source
Direct source
Direct source
Documented fraudulent-call tactics
Fake bank and Smart-ID
A caller may pose as a bank employee and pressure you to approve a Smart-ID request or disclose access details. End the call and contact the bank using its officially published number.
Direct source
- Smart-ID security guidance on scams · publication date not stated · checked:
- Bank of Latvia warning about fraudulent calls · published 2023-10-05; updated 2023-10-06 · checked:
Spoofed institution number
The State Police has warned that scammers can pose as police officers and display emergency-service numbers. Verify the caller through the institution's own official channel.
Direct source
- State Police guidance on caller ID spoofing · published 2022-08-30 · checked:
- Bank of Latvia guidance on spoofed caller ID · published 2022-07-11 · checked:
Fake utility worker
CERT.LV and Sadales tīkls have described calls and visits using meter inspection or replacement as a pretext to obtain data, money or access to a home.
Direct source
- CERT.LV monthly cyber-threat review · September 2025 · checked:
- Sadales tīkls warning about meter-replacement scams · published 2025-12-02 · checked:
Frequently asked questions
No. The Bank of Latvia and the State Police warn about caller ID spoofing, so the number on screen does not by itself verify identity.
- Bank of Latvia guidance on spoofed caller ID · published 2022-07-11 · checked
- State Police guidance on caller ID spoofing · published 2022-08-30 · checked
Do not disclose Smart-ID PINs, passwords or online-banking access details, and do not approve a request you did not initiate.
- Smart-ID security guidance on scams · publication date not stated · checked
- Bank of Latvia warning about fraudulent calls · published 2023-10-05; updated 2023-10-06 · checked
End the call and contact the organisation yourself using contact details published on its official website.
- Bank of Latvia warning about fraudulent calls · published 2023-10-05; updated 2023-10-06 · checked
- Bank of Latvia guidance on spoofed caller ID · published 2022-07-11 · checked