Tips from an expert: Here’s how to protect yourself from shock calls

“The great danger is that you do not see yourself as being at risk. But it can happen to anyone. The fraudsters are treacherous and unscrupulous,” Rüdisser warns. Yet the victims are ashamed. They blame themselves. And even your own family members do not always show understanding.

Time factor

But the victims are not stupid, the prosecutor emphasizes. We know that people under time pressure often ignore all the rules or cast aside doubts. Especially in road traffic. “And when they get caught, they can’t explain to themselves how they could endanger themselves and others in such a way.”

This is exactly what the fraudsters do, who make hundreds of calls every day: “In telephone fraud, the time factor plays a central role: there is always a claim that there is an emergency. And it must always be done quickly, so that those affected do not have time to think,” says Rüdisser. Moreover, people are shocked by the calls. So shocked and rushed.

The victims remain under control for hours. Because they are not allowed to hang up their landline, where the scam calls usually come in. They are still allowed to switch off their mobile phone – if they have one – when withdrawing and delivering money. No one else should reach the victims and jeopardize the money transfer.

Tips for protection

Prosecutor Rüdisser has already provided training at banks to encourage tellers to be vigilant if elderly people suddenly want to withdraw terrible sums of money from their accounts from one moment to the next. And these would certainly go a long way. Yet fraudsters receive money far too often. He therefore advises:

• “Older people, especially women, should delete their phone book entries or at least shorten their first names to the initial,” he says. So instead of Anni Huber, only A. Huber.
• It often helps to disconnect the line, take a deep breath, and use another phone to contact someone you trust.
• And instead of reprimanding her mother later, Rüdisser recommends discussing possible phone scams with her today and agreeing that she should always call if she is unsure. And she should never allow herself to be pressured.
• In the event that the son or daughter does not answer immediately, a second call must be made immediately. “So as a son or daughter I know: it is important, I have to call back as soon as possible.”
• Also, “Before you hand over money to anyone, ask someone you trust to help you.” These could be friends and family members, or perhaps someone from the neighborhood.
• Above all, you should always be aware of the following: “The police never call for money or collect money on the street. And even if bail is requested, the alarm bells should ring immediately,” says Rüdisser. “The more urgent something seems, the greater the chance of a feint.”

Prevention campaign started

Swiss crime prevention and the cantonal and municipal police will launch a national prevention campaign at the beginning of October. You can already find important information on this topic at www.telefonbetrug.ch. There are also instructions for changing the phone book entry.