Vaud residents lose about 7 million francs to impersonation scams

Since the start of 2026, scammers have stolen about 7 million francs in Vaud, a canton in Switzerland.

Police recorded nearly 2,300 cases involving people posing as police officers, bankers or financial institution employees; about 900 succeeded.

The scams mainly target older people, who are pressured to hand over cash, jewellery or bank cards, or share confidential information.

Police say about 270 people are implicated, and more than 100 have been arrested in Vaud, with 19 placed in detention.

The schemes use intermediaries to make calls, collect victims’ belongings and help launder the proceeds, while keeping those behind them less exposed.

Several people have already received prison sentences, including unconditional terms.

Police advise people not to share banking details or codes by phone, to call their bank using its official number if a call seems suspicious, and to hand nothing to callers who come to their home.