Credit Card Fraud Statistics in Switzerland See Sharp Increase

Switzerland has experienced a significant surge in credit card fraud cases over the past year, with reported instances rising by 8%. This increase is part of a larger trend that has seen fraudulent activities more than double over the past decade.

Rise in Online Criminal Activity

According to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), there were 17,606 cases of fraud reported in 2019. This marks a significant rise from previous years and highlights the growing concern around online criminality. The FSO attributes this increase to a larger rise in online criminal activity, although it notes that more statistics are needed to draw conclusive links between the two.

Types of Fraudulent Activities

Fraudulent activities range from:

• Misuse of computers: 5,583 cases in 2019, an increase of 598 compared to 2018
• Pornography-related offenses: 2,387 cases, a jump of over 50%

Response to the Growing Issue

In response to this growing issue, the Conference of Cantonal Police Commanders of Switzerland (CCPCS) has announced plans to boost “networking” between different cantonal forces to tackle online crime.

Zurich Police Warn Citizens

Meanwhile, the Zurich police have warned citizens against falling victim to credit card fraud schemes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Older individuals are particularly at risk of being targeted by scammers posing as people offering to purchase groceries or disinfect their homes.

Conclusion

As the situation continues to unfold, authorities and citizens alike must remain vigilant in order to combat this growing threat. It is essential that we work together to prevent these types of fraudulent activities from continuing to rise.