French-speaking Switzerland
Fake bank advisers, nine arrests near Lausanne
On 15 May 2026, nine people aged 18 to 27 were arrested in the Lausanne area as part of an investigation into fake bank adviser scams. Five of them were remanded in custody. More than CHF 36,000 in cash and numerous bank cards were seized.
According to the Vaud cantonal police, the callers pose as bank employees and claim that an urgent online banking update is needed or that a suspicious transaction has been detected. Under pressure, the victim transfers funds to a supposedly secure account or agrees to let someone take remote control of their computer. The investigation continues under the direction of the Public Prosecutor's Office.
In practiceA bank never asks you to move your assets to another account to keep them safe. End the call and contact your bank on the number shown on your bank documents.
According to Vaud cantonal police, 19 May 2026 (in French).