18.02.2025 - When using the internet today, you often come across scam websites that were designed to look like official news or TV sites. The scammers claim that you can make a fortune if you invest a little of your money with them, and they quote celebrities in fake interviews to give themselves credibility. These scam sites are just a click away and are promoted through ads and links on social media, streaming sites and elsewhere.
Recently there has been an increase in the number of reports of fraudulent investment ads. This suggests that this type of scam is widespread.
While traditional spam emails are still frequently used by scammers, they have now also discovered social media as a place to post their ads. X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook are popular with fraudsters, who create fake profiles specifically to post their content. But scammers can also be found on YouTube: they place scam ads that are shown to users before their video plays or just below it. Links to scam websites can also be found in YouTube search results.
The story
These types of investment scams usually follow a similar pattern: a scam website is set up to look like a website that people already know and trust (often Blick, 20min, SRF or RTS). A fake interview with a celebrity is published on the scam website – most recently with Federal Councillor Viola Amherd, but other celebrities such as athletes or TV presenters are often used.
The fake interview contains a supposed get-rich-quick scheme that requires almost no effort and is open to anyone. All it takes is a small investment – usually CHF or EUR 250. All you have to do is download an app or register via a link provided, and you're ready to go.
The scam
After registering with the supposed investment website or app, victims usually receive a phone call from a supposed personal advisor. These advisors are psychologically trained. They know how to persuade you to make rash decisions.
The initial investment is relatively small, but every time you log on to the personalised website to check on your investment, it looks like your balance is growing steadily. You are soon persuaded to invest much more of your money. To gain your trust, the scammers may even pay out a small amount of money. In reality, your money was never invested – or at least not in your name. It went straight into the criminals' accounts.
In some cases, victims of this type of scam eventually find that the site has disappeared, for example, because it has been taken down by law enforcement agencies. In other cases, victims don't realise that something is wrong until they try to get their money back. For example, scammers may claim that you need to pay additional fees and taxes first. In reality, they are just trying to get as much money out of you as possible before you give up.
It is also common for scammers to contact you months or even years later with claims that they can get your money back. But only if you pay them first, of course.
Recommendations
- Avoid clicking on this kind of ad. If you do click on a link, check carefully that the website you have landed on is genuine and not a scam;
- As a general rule, the higher the promised return on your investment, the higher the risk involved. If someone promises you high returns on small investments with no work and little risk, it is usually too good to be true;
- Check whether a financial service provider is authorised by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA);
- Be particularly careful if a financial service provider is not FINMA authorised. Check user reviews online. FINMA also maintains a non-exhaustive warning list;
- Never allow yourself to be pressured by salespeople;
If you have already made a payment:
- Cut off all contact with the scammers;
- Do not give the scammers any more money, even if you are told that you need to pay to get your money back;
- Be careful if you are later contacted by purported lawyers or authorities who promise they can recover your money if you pay them additional fees;
- File a complaint with the cantonal police.
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Last modification 18.02.2025
