Warning SMS Circulates: Sweden Allegedly Facing Armed Attack

Sweden Targeted by False Attack Alerts Sent Via SMS

September 6, 2025

A wave of false text messages claiming Sweden was under armed attack circulated on Friday, triggering alarm and prompting an inquiry by local authorities. The misleading messages, falsely attributed to the Swedish emergency service SOS Alarm, reported heightened war preparedness following alleged attacks.

Police in the Västra Götaland region confirmed receiving reports of the fraudulent SMS and indicated that the impact was geographically concentrated around the areas of Älvsborg and Borås. According to Police Region West spokesperson Fredrik Svedemyr,several individuals received the alarming notifications.

Resident recounts Moment of Alarm

Daniel Hedblom, a resident of Borås, described his initial reaction to the text message as one of immediate concern. He immediately sought confirmation from news outlets but found no corroborating reports. “I thought I had to check it out; it was the worst,” Hedblom said. “But there was nothing on any news site,so I figured it must be wrong.”

Hedblom also noted the deceptive nature of the message, as it appeared within an existing SMS conversation thread with legitimate SOS Alarm communications. “It was from SOS Alarm, but why would they warn of something that clearly wasn’t happening?” he questioned.

SOS Alarm Denies Sending False Alerts

SOS Alarm promptly released a statement confirming they were not the originators of the false text messages. Staffan Ekengren, communications manager at SOS Alarm, acknowledged awareness of the situation but stated that tracing the source and spread of the messages proved difficult. “It is indeed not us who sent it,and it is difficult to know the spread or why it was sent,” Ekengren explained.

This incident follows a similar occurrence on Thursday evening, when false SMS messages circulated in Borås warning of an alleged explosive threat, as reported by P4 Sjuhärad.

Authorities Issue Public Warning

In response to the escalating situation, SOS Alarm issued a public warning advising citizens not to rely solely on SMS alerts for critical information. The organization emphasized that official emergency alerts are always broadcast through multiple channels, including Sweden’s Radio P4, the 112 app, and the Krisinformation.se website.

The police are currently investigating the incidents as potential cases of false alarms, with possible charges ranging from gross false alarm to impersonating a public official, according to fredrik Svedemyr.

Incident	Date	Location	Nature of Alert
False Attack Alert	September 6, 2025	Western Sweden (Älvsborg, Borås)	Report of armed attacks & increased war preparedness
False Explosive Threat	September 5, 2025	Borås	Alleged VMA (Viktigt Meddelande Allmänheten – Public Information Message) regarding explosives

Did you Know? False emergency alerts can cause important public distress and strain emergency services. Always verify information from official sources before taking action.

the Growing Threat of SMS Phishing and Misinformation

The recent events in Sweden highlight the increasing sophistication and prevalence of SMS phishing and the spread of misinformation. According to a 2024 report by the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), phishing attacks increased by 34% in the first half of 2024, with SMS phishing (“smishing”) being a particularly fast-growing threat.

These attacks often exploit public fear and uncertainty, making it crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited messages. Pro Tip: Never click on links or provide personal information in response to unexpected text messages, even if they appear to come from a trusted source.

Frequently Asked Questions About False SMS Alerts

What are your thoughts on the increasing threat of misinformation via text message? Do you think current measures are sufficient to protect the public?

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What potential consequences could arise from repeatedly receiving false emergency alerts via SMS, beyond immediate panic?

Teh Spread of the Alert & Initial Reports

On September 6th, 2025, numerous individuals across Sweden began receiving alarming SMS messages warning of an imminent armed attack. The messages, widely circulated throughout the day, prompted meaningful public concern and triggered a rapid response from Swedish authorities.Initial reports indicated the SMS claimed an impending threat too public safety, urging recipients to stay indoors and avoid public spaces.The phrasing varied slightly across messages, but the core warning remained consistent: a potential armed attack was underway or imminent. This sparked widespread anxiety and a surge in online searches related to “Sweden attack,” “emergency alert Sweden,” and “SMS warning Sweden.”

Official Response & Investigation into the SMS Alert

Swedish police and the Swedish Civil Contingency Agency (MSB) quickly moved to address the situation.Authorities confirmed they did not issue the warning SMS. An investigation was immediately launched to determine the source of the messages and the intent behind thier dissemination.

Police statement: Law enforcement emphasized that the SMS was not a legitimate emergency alert and urged citizens to rely on official sources for data.

MSB Confirmation: The MSB reiterated that no official warning had been issued and that the public should disregard the SMS.

Cybersecurity Focus: The investigation is currently focused on identifying potential cybersecurity breaches or malicious actors responsible for the mass SMS campaign. Authorities are exploring possibilities ranging from a prank to a deliberate attempt to incite panic or disrupt public order.

Telecom Provider Involvement: Swedish telecommunications providers are cooperating with the investigation, attempting to trace the origin of the SMS blast.

Understanding the Potential risks: False Alarms & Disinformation

The incident highlights the growing risk of false alarms and the spread of disinformation through modern dialog channels. The rapid dissemination of unverified information via SMS, social media, and messaging apps can have serious consequences.

Erosion of Trust: False alarms can erode public trust in official emergency alert systems.

Panic & Disruption: Even without a genuine threat, widespread panic can disrupt daily life and strain emergency services.

Exploitation by Malicious Actors: Disinformation campaigns can be used to sow discord, manipulate public opinion, or even incite violence.

The Role of Social Media: Platforms like X (formerly Twitter),Facebook,and Instagram quickly became hubs for discussion and speculation,amplifying both accurate information and misinformation.

Similar Incidents & Global Trends in Emergency Alerts

Sweden is not alone in facing challenges related to emergency alerts and disinformation. Several similar incidents have occurred globally in recent years:

Hawaii Missile Alert (2018): A false alarm about an incoming ballistic missile caused widespread panic in Hawaii. This incident underscored the importance of robust verification procedures and clear communication protocols.

UK Emergency alert System Test (2023): The UK’s first nationwide emergency alert test was marred by technical issues and confusion, highlighting the need for thorough testing and public education.

Ukraine Disinformation Campaigns: During the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, both sides have engaged in disinformation campaigns, including the spread of false reports about attacks and military movements.

These cases demonstrate the vulnerability of emergency alert systems to both technical failures and malicious manipulation.

How to Verify Emergency Information & Stay Informed

In situations like this, it’s crucial to rely on verified sources of information. Here’s how to stay informed and avoid falling victim to disinformation:

1. Official Sources: Prioritize information from official sources, such as:

Swedish Police (Polisen): https://polisen.se/

Swedish Civil Contingency Agency (MSB): https://www.msb.se/en/

local News Outlets: Reputable Swedish news organizations.

1. Cross-Reference Information: Don’t rely on a single source. Compare information from multiple sources to verify its accuracy.
2. Be Skeptical of Social Media: Social media can be a valuable source of information, but it’s also rife with misinformation. Be critical of what you see and share.
3. Check for Official Alerts: Familiarize yourself with your country’s official emergency alert system. In Sweden, this includes SMS alerts from 112.se and information broadcast on radio and television.
4. Report Suspicious Messages: If you receive a suspicious SMS or encounter misinformation online, report it to the appropriate authorities.

Cybersecurity Best Practices: Protecting Yourself from SMS Scams

While the Swedish incident appears to be a widespread alert, it serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity best practices.

Do Not Click on Suspicious Links: Avoid clicking on links in SMS messages from unknown senders.

Be Wary of Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate organizations will rarely ask for personal information via SMS.

Report Spam SMS: Report spam SMS messages to your mobile carrier.

Keep your Software Updated: Ensure your mobile operating system and security software are up to date.

* Consider SMS Filtering Apps: Several apps can definitely help filter out spam and phishing SMS messages.