For several days, the Jura region has been the target of fake police scams. Scammers contact their victims by phone randomly; seniors are often targeted. The scammer explains to his victim that he works for the police and that there is a problem with his bank card. Once the victim is convinced, the scammer then informs them that a plainclothes police officer will come to their home to retrieve the bank card and restore the situation. Once this approach is successful, a fake police officer presents himself and validates his authority via a photo presented on his cell phone. He continues his scenario until the victim gives him the code of his bank card, legitimizing himself by his so-called function.
This scam is known and can differ in approach, but in all cases a man or woman goes to their victim’s home to pose as a police officer. Sometimes the scammer also poses as a banker. Several scams of this type have taken place in Jura. Some resulted in money being withdrawn.
The Jura police call on the population to remain vigilant and to sharpen their critical thinking: a police officer never asks for anyone’s bank code, nor takes credit cards without a warrant to do so. In addition, a police officer legitimizes himself with a professional card, on which his name and photo appear.
If in doubt, citizens are invited to contact the police on 032 420 65 65 to inform of the situation and ensure that the person is carrying out an official act. Any attempted fraud of this type, or information relating to it, must be communicated to the police without delay.
