Czech and Slovak authorities warn of rising phishing and investment scams

Authorities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia are issuing urgent warnings regarding a surge in various fraudulent schemes targeting citizens, particularly seniors.

In the Czech Republic, VZP has warned of phishing SMS and emails claiming fictitious insurance debts to steal banking credentials. Other reported scams include fraudulent Temu refund offers via WhatsApp and sophisticated investment frauds where victims lost millions of crowns to fake advisors and couriers.

In Slovakia, police have identified a two-phase telephone scam. Fraudsters pose as Social Insurance Agency employees to gather personal data, then follow up by impersonating police officers. They claim the victim's funds are at risk to pressure them into withdrawing cash and handing it over to a supposedly “safe” location. Officials emphasize that state institutions will never request such transfers over the phone.