Authorities warn of rising telephone and vishing scams

Authorities in Switzerland and France are issuing warnings regarding a rise in sophisticated telephone scams, specifically 'vishing' (voice phishing). In Switzerland, the Bern Cantonal Police has alerted the public to fraudsters posing as police officers, bank employees, or government officials to steal money or valuables through high-pressure tactics.

In France, the threat is exacerbated by recent large-scale data breaches, including attacks on the DGFiP and the FICOBA national file. These breaches have allowed scammers to use highly personalized information, such as names and tax data, to gain victim trust. Fraudsters are also increasingly using 'neighbor spoofing' and caller ID manipulation to make calls appear as though they are coming from legitimate institutions like banks or tax centers.

Authorities recommend hanging up immediately if a call feels suspicious, never sharing personal or banking information over the phone, and contacting official institutions directly through verified emergency numbers if doubt arises.