News – Val-de-Travers – Cantonal police warn of cases of fake police officers in Neuchâtel – call for vigilance

The Neuchâtel cantonal police published a press release on September 28 to report five new cases of fraud involving fake police officers. These incidents, which occurred over the last 48 hours, mainly concern elderly people in La Chaux-de-Fonds and Neuchâtel. The authorities are calling for vigilance, particularly among loved ones of seniors.

Since Friday September 27, 2024, several victims have been contacted by telephone by individuals claiming to be police officers. These scammers claimed that victims’ bank accounts had been hacked. An accomplice then showed up at their home, also posing as a police officer, and collected their bank cards and PIN codes, with the intention of making fraudulent withdrawals.

Fortunately, most victims reacted quickly by seeking help from their loved ones, who in turn alerted the police. Thanks to these rapid interventions, the financial damage suffered remained low.

Seniors, a privileged target for criminals

The authorities point out that elderly people are the main targets of these scams. Criminals do not hesitate to present themselves under various identities (fake police officers, false nephews or false bank advisors) to convince their victims that their bank account has been compromised. They then ask for the bank card code, before sending an accomplice to collect it directly from the victims’ home. Once in possession of the cards and codes, they proceed to withdraw money from ATMs.

Recommended precautionary measures

The cantonal police remind you of the rules of caution to be observed:

• Never disclose personal or banking information over the telephone;
• Never give your bank cards or PIN code to a stranger;
• Hang up immediately if in doubt about the caller, without calling back using the repeat key;
• If in doubt, contact the police immediately on the emergency number 117;
• Share these safety instructions with those around you, especially seniors.

The vigilance of loved ones and citizens is essential to protect vulnerable people from these resurgent scams.