Support fraud
Criminals pose as employees of well-known IT companies (typically Microsoft), banks or other trustworthy organisations. They often claim that your computer is infected with a virus, that there is a technical problem, or that there is something wrong with your account. While pretending to help you, they try to obtain personal details or login credentials, initiate payments or gain access to your device.
Typical warning signs
Be suspicious if:
so-called support staff phone you “out of the blue”;
you are asked to download or install software;
someone wants to gain access to your computer or another device in order to fix a supposed problem;
you are offered system clean-ups, repairs or software licences subject to payment of a fee;
you are asked to disclose personal information, payment details, online banking details or credit and debit card details;
you are asked to make a payment via online banking to a specific account for testing purposes.
Here’s how to protect yourself
Immediately end any unsolicited calls from people claiming to be Microsoft employees, IT support companies, the police or financial institutions.
Never allow strangers to access your devices remotely, for example via programmes such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer.
Never share passwords, PINs, online banking details, credit or debit card details, or any other personal information or login details with strangers.
Never make payments for test purposes.
If you have already granted remote access, disconnect the device in question from the Internet and do not use it for online banking or other payments for the time being. You should then contact your bank using another, trusted device.
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
Romance scams
Criminals pretend to be romantically involved with their intended victim online in order to obtain money. 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
Romance scams
Criminals pretend to be romantically involved with their intended victim online in order to obtain money.