Enough fraud!

By phone or online – fraudsters are getting ever more sophisticated. In 2024 alone, 575 fraud offences were reported in the Canton of Schwyz, and the number of unreported cases is high. «Many victims do not report the crime out of shame,» explains Pascal Simmen, head of prevention at the Schwyz Cantonal Police. With the campaign «Enough fraud!» the police are calling on the public to stay alert.

Phone fraud: the trick with pressure and fear

Fake police officers, supposed bank employees or alleged relatives: phone fraudsters pose as trusted figures and put their victims under pressure with dramatic stories – the bank account is not secure, a relative has caused an accident, an immediate money transfer is needed. Often supposed «trusted persons» collect cash right at the front door. Older people are particularly targeted, but anyone can be affected.

Cyber fraud: traps on the net

Dangers lurk online too. Phishing emails or fake text messages lure people to deceptively genuine-looking websites to harvest passwords or credit card details. Order fraud is also popular: victims pay for goods that are never delivered. Especially insidious is online investment fraud, in which high returns from cryptocurrencies are promised via social media, while the money goes straight into the fraudsters' accounts.

Vigilance protects

«Fraudsters work with skilful manipulation. They build trust, apply time pressure or try to intimidate,» warns Pascal Simmen. Even simple precautions reduce the risk considerably:

• Be suspicious when someone asks for money or sensitive data over the phone.
• Never pass on passwords, PINs or codes by phone, email or text message.
• End suspicious calls immediately. The police never ask for money over the phone.
• Do not click on unknown links, even if the messages look official.
• Talk to family or friends about suspicious situations.
• Report every attempted fraud to the police, even if no loss was suffered.

Further information: sz.ch/telefonbetrug and sz.ch/cybercrime.