Swiss Scam: Man Loses Over 600,000 CHF in Romance Fraud

Tue, Feb 13th 2024

A Fribourg man fell prey to a romance scam, losing over 600,000 francs to a purported lover over eight years, sparking police warnings about the rise in Swiss scams.

Swiss scams, a 39-year-old Fribourg area man was trapped in a long-term romance scam, culminating in the loss of over 600,000 francs. The victim lodged a criminal complaint last week, prompting the Fribourg cantonal police to issue a public warning about such deceptive practices.

The scam began in late 2016 when an individual approached the man on a social network using a counterfeit female profile. The scammer quickly professed deep romantic feelings, leading the victim to believe he was in a genuine relationship. Over nearly a decade, he provided substantial financial support under the guise of love. In recent months many online scams have been perpetrated in Switzerland.

Authorities are actively investigating the case, highlighting the scam’s complexity and the manipulative tactics employed by the fraudster. This incident underscores a worrying trend of “romance scams” or “love scams,” where perpetrators create fake profiles to exploit individuals seeking romantic connections.

These scammers build emotional connections, often discussing plans and arranging meetings that invariably fall through due to fabricated emergencies, compelling the victim to send money.

The Fribourg cantonal police and Swiss Crime Prevention are cautioning individuals against placing trust in online relationships without verification. They advise skepticism towards requests for money from internet acquaintances and encourage open discussions with friends or family members suspected of being involved in such scams.

This case serves as a stark reminder of Swiss scams’ emotional and financial dangers, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in online interactions.

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Swiss Scam: Man Loses Over 600,000 CHF in Romance Fraud

Swiss Scam: Man Loses Over 600,000 CHF in Romance Fraud

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