Beware of “fake bank official” scams

Dear customers,

We are currently experiencing a number of telephone scams using a technique known as ‘spoofing’, whereby fraudsters make the Axion SWISS Bank number (+41 91 910 95 10) appear on your phone. In doing so, they pretend to be operators reporting suspicious bank transactions or attempts to access e-banking.

The aim is to put you under pressure to obtain sensitive data such as codes, credentials or payment authorisations. With the information provided, criminals can, for example, gain access to your account information and carry out fraudulent transactions.

Please be aware of this phenomenon that is currently occurring.

What are the warning signs to look out for:

  • A sense of urgency (“act now to block a payment”).
  • Requests for access codes, passwords, PINs  or remote access to your device.
  • Requests to click on links in text messages/e-mails or to install ‘security’ software.
  • Unusual times outside normal office hours.
  • Repeated calls that prevent you from thinking clearly.

Please note that the bank:

  • Never asks for passwords, PINs or OTP codes over the telephone or by text message.
  • Does not ask you to authorise or make transfers to “block” fraud.
  • Does not ask you to install remote control apps or share your screen

What to do if you receive a suspicious call:

  • End the call without providing any information.
  • Verify the information yourself, for example by contacting your bank or advisor, dialling the number found on www.axionbank.ch.
  • Do not call back the number that appeared on the display and do not click on any links received via text message/WhatsApp/e-mail.
  • Report the incident to [email protected] and, if possible, send a screenshot of the call/SMS.

If you have already shared data or authorised payments:

  • Call your bank advisor immediately and report what has happened.
  • Change your login credentials immediately.
  • Report the incident to the relevant authorities. Keep receipts, text messages and e-mails.

How to protect yourself every day:

  • Only access services from the official app or by typing in the bank's URL.
  • Enable notifications, multi-factor authentication and biometrics.
  • Check your transactions frequently.
  • Keep your system and apps up to date, avoid public Wi-Fi, and never share your screen.
  • Remember: the sender/number on the display can be faked.