Time pressure and fear
“It has to be right now.” Anyone pressuring you wants to stop you thinking or asking someone.
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Guide
How to spot scam attempts before they cause damage
How well protected are you today? Take the two-minute self-test. After that you will find the most common scams briefly explained.
Self-test
How well is your phone protected?
Eight short questions. Your answers stay on your device and are not stored anywhere.
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The most important rule: if in doubt, hang up. Call back yourself on a number you know, for example the one on your bank card. Genuine banks, authorities and companies always understand.
Three warning signs
How to recognise almost every scam attempt
Money or data is demanded
Police and banks never ask for PIN codes, passwords, cash or valuables.
You are told to keep quiet
“Don’t tell anyone.” That is exactly the right moment to call someone.
The most common scams
Recognise them and respond correctly
Grandparent scam and shock call
“Grandma, it’s me. I’ve had an accident and urgently need money.”
How to spot it
A crying or agitated voice, a supposed emergency and a request for cash or jewellery, often collected by a stranger.
How to respond
Hang up. Call the family member on the number you know. Never hand over money or valuables to strangers.
Fake police officers
“This is the police. There have been burglaries in your neighbourhood. We will bring your money to safety.”
How to spot it
The display sometimes even shows 117. But the real police never collect money or valuables from you.
How to respond
Hang up and dial 117 yourself. Don’t let anyone into your home and don’t hand anything over.
Fake bank texts and e-mails
“Your account has been blocked. Confirm your details now via this link.”
How to spot it
A link in the message, time pressure and a request to enter login details or codes. The sender address often only looks almost genuine.
How to respond
Don’t click the link. Open your bank’s app or website yourself, or call the bank.
“Hi Mum, this is my new number”
“My phone is broken. Can you quickly pay a bill for me?”
How to spot it
An unknown number pretends to be your child or grandchild and soon asks for money.
How to respond
Call your child on the old, familiar number. Don’t transfer anything until you have spoken in person.
Fake support calls
“We have detected a virus on your computer. Please install this program.”
How to spot it
Supposed employees of big companies or of your phone provider call unsolicited and want access to your computer.
How to respond
Hang up. Never install a program on a caller’s instructions and never grant remote access.
Parcel texts with a fee
“Your parcel is waiting. Please pay a customs fee of CHF 2.90.”
How to spot it
A small amount, a link and a page asking for your credit card details.
How to respond
Don’t click. Only check parcels directly in the parcel service’s app or website.
Already happened? Call your bank immediately and have your cards and access blocked. Report the case to the police on 117. Then change your passwords. Afterwards I will gladly help you secure your devices again.
Package S · Digital Check
Better safe than sorry
Reading is the first step. In the Digital Check I examine your main device and your accounts at your home, including for data leaks. You receive a clear status report with recommendations.
Digital Check, 30 to 45 minutesNew-customer price with price guaranteeCHF 49.–CHF 89.–regular price CHF 89.–30 to 45 minutes at your home
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