Why did the scammer cross the internet? To get to your wallet — and apparently, most people won’t even call the cops afterward.
In this publication, we're uncovering a disturbing trend in Switzerland that affects not just the unlucky few, but potentially everyone who shops online. Let’s dive right in.
A new survey reveals that cyber scams in Switzerland are skyrocketing — but shockingly, most victims never report them. Even when the losses cross CHF 1,000.
How It Works:
Cybercrime is evolving fast, and here’s how scammers are hitting victims in Switzerland:
- Fake shops lure shoppers in with slick websites and unbeatable deals — then vanish with your payment.
- Phishing emails imitate legitimate services or banks, tricking you into sharing personal or financial data.
- False profiles and manipulation tactics blur the lines between truth and deception online.
Once your data or money is gone, the scammer disappears into digital thin air — and few pursue justice.
Who’s Targeted:
Interestingly, it’s not the elderly who are hit hardest — it’s young people, mostly because they shop online more frequently and interact with a wider range of digital services.
But that doesn’t mean older adults are off the hook. Scammers don’t discriminate. Whether you’re 19 or 79, if you use the internet, you’re a potential target.
Real-Life Example:
A recent national survey commissioned by Axa Insurance found that only one in three scam victims filed a police report, even when significant amounts were stolen.
Even among those who lost over CHF 1,000, less than half reported the crime. That means the actual number of online scam victims in Switzerland is likely much higher than official stats suggest.
In 2024 alone, more than 59,000 online criminal offenses were officially recorded, with an additional 63,000+ cyber-related incidents reported to the Federal Office of Cyber Security.
Why You Should Care:
If you shop online, click on emails, or even use social media — you’re exposed. And scammers are counting on one thing: your silence. The less people report, the more brazen these criminals become.
It’s not just your wallet at risk — it’s your identity, privacy, and peace of mind.
Actionable Steps:
Here’s how to avoid becoming part of these growing stats:
- Verify websites before buying — Look for “https,” check reviews, and beware of prices that seem too good to be true.
- Use payment methods with fraud protection — Credit cards and digital wallets offer better recovery options than wire transfers.
- Think before you click — Avoid opening suspicious email links or attachments.
- Enable 2FA (two-factor authentication) — especially on financial accounts.
- Report any scam — No matter the amount lost, reporting helps build patterns that police and cybersecurity teams can act on.
Quick Tips:
Did you know? Over 75% of Swiss citizens believe cybercrime is one of the biggest threats to society today.
Pro Tip: Bookmark and use official reporting platforms like the Swiss National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) at www.ncsc.admin.ch to flag incidents fast.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keyword Definitions:
- Fake Shop – A fraudulent e-commerce site that appears legitimate but disappears after collecting payments.
- Phishing – A cyberattack where fraudsters impersonate trusted entities to steal sensitive data.
- NCSC (Switzerland) – The National Cyber Security Centre, Switzerland’s hub for handling digital threats and public cyber awareness.
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