A private information site, published by Matthias Traussnig, attorney at law in Geneva

If you have just paid, given away a code or handed over your card, have the card blocked by your bank straight away, using the number on the back or on your statements. If someone is due to come to your home or has just left with money, jewellery or a card, call 117.

Recognising a scam and knowing how to respond

This site describes the scams reported by the Swiss authorities and what to do in the first hours.

First steps after a scam Assess your situation
TW

TWINT SMS

Your account will be blocked. Contact our customer service on WhatsApp to reactivate it.

Fake
PC

Cantonal police Call

Your money is no longer safe at the bank. Do not hang up and do not tell anyone.

Fake
CU

Customs service SMS

Your parcel is on hold. Pay CHF 2.95 in fees to have it delivered.

Fake
AI

AI trading platform Ad

Invest CHF 250 and let artificial intelligence work for you.

Fake
Examples modelled on messages reported by the police and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

In 2025 the police in Switzerland recorded 57,761 offences committed by digital means. In the field of economic cybercrime they recorded 36,572 injured parties, 81.2% of whom were victims of online fraud. These frauds are run by organisations that work with well-rehearsed scripts and sophisticated tools, and that make increasing use of artificial intelligence to imitate a voice or a face.

According to Federal Statistical Office, 2025 police crime statistics (23 March 2026).

When one of these situations arises, the first few hours often decide whether a payment can still be stopped. This site helps you identify the method and react quickly, keeping the evidence from the outset.

The canton of Vaud recorded 936 cases of fake police officer fraud in 2025, attempts included, compared with 369 a year earlier. In the first half of 2025, the NCSC received 3,485 reports of fake investment advertisements, nearly five times as many as a year before. Between weeks 1 and 40 of 2026, the NCSC received 43,474 voluntary reports, of which 37.7% concerned attempted scams and 33.9% phishing.

According to Canton of Vaud, 2025 crime report (23 March 2026, in French), NCSC, half-yearly report (18 November 2025, in French) and NCSC, voluntary reporting statistics (in French, accessed on 4 October 2026).