A person you know asks for financial assistance and claims to be in need.
In this version of the scam, the perpetrator pretends to be a friend or acquaintance and asks for financial help under some pretext. These requests are usually unexpected and catch the recipient off guard. The messages typically request money transfers or gift cards. Do not send money or gift cards without first contacting the person directly through another channel.
Specific measures
Preventive measures
How the NCSC can help
Further Information
- Do not pay anything or send any gift card codes.
- Do not pass on any codes sent to you by the supposed acquaintance or friend.
- If you have made a payment, contact the bank you used immediately. They may be able to stop the payment.
- If you receive an email from someone you know asking for money, the NCSC recommends checking whether the request is plausible and confirming it via an alternative communication method.
- The sender's email account may have been compromised. Let them know so they can change their password straight away. Use an alternative communication channel (not email) to do this.
- If you have suffered a financial loss, we recommend that you report it to the police. You can find your nearest police station on the Suisse ePolice website (available in German, French and Italian).
Be cautious if you receive emails or phone calls demanding that you take action and threatening consequences if you do not, such as loss of money, legal action, account or card suspension, missed opportunities or even bad luck.
Your report via the online form helps the NCSC identify trends. This makes it possible for the NCSC to raise public awareness in a targeted way.
Last modification 09.10.2025
