Since the end of October, the Friborg cantonal police have recorded five proven cases of false police officers in the canton of Friborg causing damage of several tens of thousands of francs.
The scammers contact the injured parties by telephone or SMS, posing as police officers or financial institutes. They convince them to give them their bank cards as well as the codes. Accomplices then collect the cards from the victims and withdraw money.
The people targeted are often elderly and the perpetrators can spend several hours on the phone with them in order to put pressure on them and extract all their personal information. It is useful to know that the police, whether in uniform or in plain clothes, do not under any circumstances collect valuables, cash or bank cards in order to keep them safe.
The cantonal police call for the greatest caution and recommend, in particular to families and loved ones, to inform their elders about this phenomenon of false police officers. If in doubt, it is essential to notify the cantonal police immediately by dialing 117.
Reminder of precautionary recommendations:
• If someone pressures you on the phone, hang up immediately.
• The police never ask for money over the phone.
• If you are told about a loved one involved, hang up, then contact that loved one.
• Never give cash or valuables to an unknown person.
• Never get into a taxi ordered by strangers.
• Report any suspicious situation immediately to the police at 117.
• Systematically block unwanted calls to your operator.
