World · Europe · 5 hrs ago
Man arrested after attempted phone scam in Gossau
An 85-year-old woman in Gossau was targeted by a phone scam when a caller posing as a bank employee told her to withdraw cash.
The caller wanted her to leave the money at a place to be agreed later.
The woman thought the call was suspicious and, with help from a neighbour, contacted police.
Police found a 37-year-old man at the planned cash handover on Wednesday; he ran when he saw officers and was arrested shortly afterward.
He is accused of acting as the cash collector, and no money was handed over.
Police are investigating whether he may be connected to other offences, under the direction of the St. Gallen cantonal prosecutor’s office.
The case reflects a wider scam in which callers impersonate bank staff or officials and pressure people to hand over money or valuables.
A 37-year-old Ukrainian man was arrested in Gossau, Switzerland, after police say he tried to collect cash in a phone scam.
An 85-year-old woman received a call from someone posing as a bank employee and asking her to withdraw cash.
The woman became suspicious and, with help from a neighbour, contacted police.
Police say the woman did not hand over any money, preventing financial loss.
Investigators are checking whether the arrested man may be linked to other offences.
- Who
- A 37-year-old Ukrainian man was arrested. He is accused of acting as a cash collector in the attempted scam.
- What
- Police arrested the man during an attempted cash handover linked to a phone scam.
- When
- The woman received the call on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. The man was arrested the following day.
- Where
- Gossau, in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland.
- Why
- Police say the man was allegedly involved in collecting cash from an 85-year-old woman targeted by callers posing as bank employees.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
An 85-year-old woman received a call from someone posing as a bank employee and asking her to withdraw cash.
The woman became suspicious and contacted police with help from a neighbour.
Police found a man near Neuchlenstrasse at the planned cash handover; he fled when he saw patrols.
Police stopped and arrested the man at St. Gallerstrasse.
- Suspect
- 37-year-old Ukrainian man
- Targeted woman
- 85 years old
- Planned handover
- Near Neuchlenstrasse, Gossau
- Arrest location
- St. Gallerstrasse
- Financial loss
- None; no money was handed over
3 sources
What people are saying
A financial loss for the 85-year-old woman was prevented.
If there is still contact with the perpetrators, call the emergency number 117 immediately.