Other Tourist Scams in Geneva

Fake Police Phone Scam

Callers impersonate Geneva cantonal or Swiss federal police officers, contacting victims by phone to report an alleged crime nearby and claiming their cash, jewelry, or bank cards are at risk of theft. Scammers instruct victims to hand over their valuables to a courier who will arrive at their home for 'safekeeping.' A second caller may pose as a bank official. Since 2023, this scheme has stolen nearly CHF 10 million across French-speaking Switzerland, with losses accelerating sharply in 2025. The Geneva cantons are among the most heavily targeted.