The police are issuing a strong warning to Swiss residents about fraud attempts using so-called shock calls. The scammers are currently contacting victims by phone, posing as bank employees, imitating phone numbers to make the calls appear even more credible. During these calls, the scammers “warn” their victims of supposedly suspicious transactions, and in the process steal sensitive data or large sums of money. They often claim to be already cooperating with the police and law enforcement agencies. During the conversation, the scammers urge their victims to install certain security programs on their devices (PCs, laptops, smartphones). Do not carry out such installations out under any circumstances because they would give the scammers full access to your devices.

Note that bank employees will never ask for account information or passwords over the phone. Therefore, hang up if you get such a call, no matter how trustworthy it seems. If you are still unsure, call your bank using their official numbers. Do not call the numbers the supposed bank employees give you during the call.

The police also will never call you and never ask you to hand over money, valuables, or bank details, not even via the emergency number 117, because even this can be imitated by fraudsters. If you suspect fraud, please contact the police on the emergency number 117.

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