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NeuchâtelEight crooks playing the police and bankers arrested
More than 50,000 francs have been recovered from thugs who are all young French or French.
The typical victim is a single woman with an old first name and who has a fixed telephone line.
Getty ImagesIn the space of two weeks, eight people were apprehended as part of scams at the fake police/banker. These facts show that this phenomenon remains active and worrying in the canton of Neuchâtel, communicates the cantonal police.
Among the eight people arrested, five men of French nationality, from 18 to 26 years old, were arrested by the Neuchâtel police. Three women, also French, from 19 to 26, linked to business in the canton, were apprehended by the Vaudoise and Geneva cantonal fonts. During these operations, more than 50,000 francs, as well as jewelry and bank cards, were seized. Part of the stolen loot could be returned.
Young people who target seniors
Since July 1, 2025, no less than 100 cases related to false police/bankers have been identified in the canton. 30 cases made relate to a total damage of more than 300,000 francs and the other 70 cases relate to attempts. This type of scam is mainly committed by young adults, men or women under the age of 25. The public prosecutor has opened criminal instructions.
These eight arrests are an illustration of a persistent phenomenon. The offenders are still active in the Neuchâtel canton and these figures testify to the need to remain vigilant. Neuchâtel police intensifies their efforts to fight against this type of scam, which mainly targets the elderly. The types of these offenses are single women, whose first name was commonly used in the 1930s to 1950 and who had a fixed telephone line. The authorities invite relatives of this population, often little connected to modern and particularly vulnerable means of communication, to raise awareness and to remain attentive.
Reminder of the rules of prudence:
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Hang up immediately in case of doubt
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Do not communicate any personal or banking information by phone
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Do not communicate any personal or banking information by phone
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Never give your card and codes
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Never give cash, bank card or valuables to an unknown person
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Do not give in, even in an emergency or pressure
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Immediately report any suspicious situation to the police at 117.
