Every year, scammers get more and more creative in their efforts to lure new victims. From well-known scams to the latest trends, certain schemes stand out for their effectiveness and prevalence.
eCop François breaks down the scams that are currently causing the most damage and shares tips on how to avoid them.

The podium

• The most convincing one is the fake parking text message: highly realistic, sometimes featuring the colors of the cantonal police, this message informs you of an unpaid parking ticket and urges you to resolve the issue quickly via a link—everything is designed to prompt you to act without thinking;
• The most sophisticated scam involves a fake banker and a fake police officer: primarily targeting seniors, this scam begins with a phone call from someone claiming to be a banker who claims that the victim’s accounts have been hacked. The victim is then visited at home by a fake police officer, who collects bank cards, PINs, and sometimes even jewelry, with the victim’s consent;
• The most enticing: fake cryptocurrency investments. On social media, fraudulent ads use the images of well-known figures to promote get-rich-quick schemes. After filling out a simple form, a so-called advisor contacts the victim, promises substantial returns, and urges them to make additional payments. In the canton of Vaud, this type of scam resulted in nearly 16 million francs in losses in 2024.

Timeless Scams

• The timeless romance scam: it all starts on a social media platform or dating site. Very quickly, a relationship of trust—or even romance—develops, followed by requests for money to cover fabricated emergencies. In 2024, this scheme resulted in nearly two million francs being swindled in the canton of Vaud;
• The classic approach: classified ads. Whether you’re buying or selling, caution is key. Non-existent products, excessive down payments, fake shipping fees, and requests for bank details are all too common. On peer-to-peer sales platforms, the golden rule is to keep things simple and be wary of complicated scenarios;
• Fraudulent text messages are still a common problem: messages claiming that packages are “held up” or from phone companies asking for your login credentials—these messages prey on confusion and good faith. The best course of action is to never reply or click on any links provided.

The Latest Scams

• Sextortion, a very real threat: on dating apps or social media, scammers obtain intimate images through consensual exchanges and then use blackmail to prevent their dissemination. The consequences can be severe, both financially and psychologically;
• The misleading "good deal ": Some ads mimic well-known services and offer vague subscriptions—sometimes via text message—for just a few francs a month. It may not seem like a big deal at first glance, but reading the terms and conditions carefully can often help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Our 5 tips for avoiding scams
✔ Take your time
✔ Never give out your bank details
✔ Say NO, even if it seems urgent
✔ Never click on a suspicious link
✔ If it seems too good to be true… be extremely cautious

For more information: votrepolice.ch
Follow eCop François on Twitter: @ecop.francois