Investment fraud
Criminals use social media, dating platforms, the telephone or emails to promise high returns from supposedly lucrative investments. For example, they present themselves as investment advisers or investors and build trust. They often start by faking small gains before pressuring you into making increasingly large deposits. In the end, the money invested is usually lost.
Typical warning signs
Be suspicious if:
large profits are promised in a short space of time or without any risk;
you are pressured into making a quick deposit or further investments;
profits are initially reported or paid out, but you are required to make further deposits in order to receive a payout;
you are asked to make crypto transfers, payments to private individuals or to overseas accounts;
the provider’s background and credibility cannot be positively verified;
celebrities are reportedly promoting the offer.
Here’s how to protect yourself
Don’t be misled by unrealistic returns. Reputable financial providers do not promise high returns in a short space of time.
Don’t let yourself be rushed and don’t transfer any money if you have any doubts.
Investigate providers and asset managers, for example on the website of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA): https://www.finma.ch/en/authorisation/portfolio-managers-and-trustees/
Talk to your bank’s customer adviser before you invest any money.
Types of fraud
Phishing
Criminals trick their victims into disclosing their login details for bank accounts, TWINT or payment cards. Read moreTypes of fraud
Account takeover
Fraudsters steal login details and take over accounts in order to make payments. Read moreTypes of fraud
Advance fee fraud
Criminals lure people into making payments with exaggerated promises or bargains. Read moreTypes of fraud
Classified ad fraud
Criminals pose as buyers and steal payment or card details via fake websites. Read moreTypes of fraud
Merchandise or services fraud
Fraudsters offer goods or services but fail to deliver them, or only deliver substandard goods or services. Read moreTypes of fraud
Support fraud
Criminals pose as support staff in order to gain access to your data, money or control over your device. Read moreTypes of fraud
Romance scams
Criminals pretend to be romantically involved with their intended victim online in order to obtain money. Read more
Types of fraud
Phishing
Criminals trick their victims into disclosing their login details for bank accounts, TWINT or payment cards.
Types of fraud
Account takeover
Fraudsters steal login details and take over accounts in order to make payments.
Types of fraud
Advance fee fraud
Criminals lure people into making payments with exaggerated promises or bargains.
Types of fraud
Classified ad fraud
Criminals pose as buyers and steal payment or card details via fake websites.
Types of fraud
Merchandise or services fraud
Fraudsters offer goods or services but fail to deliver them, or only deliver substandard goods or services.
Types of fraud
Support fraud
Criminals pose as support staff in order to gain access to your data, money or control over your device.