Supposed promises of prizes of mobile phones or vouchers. In many cases, these are sent on behalf of well-known food and other retailers..
Because the scammers are trying to reach as many people as possible, the questions are very easy to answer. Personal information such as credit card details, names, etc. must be entered on a website in order to receive the supposed prize. But by submitting this information, you unwittingly sign up for a long-term subscription.
In some cases, participants are also asked to forward the message to other recipients (e.g. via WhatsApp) before they can receive the supposed prize. You should always be suspicious of messages with tempting prize offers (even if they are from people you know).
Specific measures
Preventive measures
How the NCSC can help
Further Information
- If you provided credit card details, contact your credit card company immediately to have the card blocked.
- Do not forward these contests to your contacts. It is best to ignore and delete these types of contest messages.
- The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) recommends sending a registered letter to the provider immediately after discovering the error, in which you challenge the contract on the grounds of error and fraudulent misrepresentation. The letter should include at least the following: «I have been misled by your website. I therefore contest any contract that may have been concluded on the grounds of error and fraudulent misrepresentation.»
- Check your credit card transactions regularly. This will enable you to take immediate action through your credit card company in the event of fraudulent payments.
- Be sceptical about emails claiming that you have won something.
- Be particularly careful if you have to provide your credit card details in order to access a free offer.
- The NCSC reports suspected scam websites with a link to Switzerland to law enforcement authorities so that they can take appropriate action with the provider or registrar concerned.
- 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 12.04.2024
