Police issue fresh alert over spoofed phone scam calls
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
Monaco's Direction de la Sûreté Publique warns residents that fraudsters are disguising calls to appear as genuine police numbers.
The Direction de la Sûreté Publique has renewed its warning to residents about a telephone scam using a technique known as 'spoofing', where callers manipulate caller ID systems to make fraudulent calls appear to come from the official police line. Victims receive a call that looks entirely legitimate on their phone screen, often prompting them to hand over personal details, banking information or even cash under the pretence of assisting a police investigation.
Police have stressed that genuine officers will never request bank details, passwords or money over the phone, and anyone receiving such a call should hang up immediately and contact the Sûreté Publique directly using a number they have verified independently, rather than calling back the number displayed. The warning is particularly relevant for older residents and those living alone in areas such as Monte-Carlo and La Condamine, who are often targeted by this type of fraud.
Anyone who believes they have been contacted by a scammer, or who has already shared sensitive information, is urged to report the incident to the police without delay. Officers say early reporting significantly improves the chances of tracing the fraudulent activity and preventing further attempts against other residents.