Romance scams
Criminals deliberately establish what appears to be a romantic relationship via the Internet. They gain their victims’ trust by claiming to have romantic sentiments and a sense of personal closeness. Later, they ask for money, for example, on the pretext of an alleged emergency. They often drag out the contact for a long time, continuously making new demands for money and avoiding meeting in person.
Typical warning signs
Be suspicious if:
an online acquaintance declares very intense personal feelings after only a short time, but avoids meeting in person;
you suddenly have to make a payment to cover an emergency or an urgent matter;
new reasons for financial support are constantly being put forward;
you are offered lucrative investment opportunities with unusually high returns.
Here’s how to protect yourself
Do not transfer money to people you only know from the Internet – not even in supposed emergencies.
Be wary of investment offers from people you’ve met online, especially if they promise high returns.
Don’t let yourself be put under pressure; discuss the situation with someone you trust.
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
Investment fraud
Criminals attract people with the promise of large profits and subsequently swindle them out of their 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.