Police warn of scam callers posing as Monaco officers
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
Monaco's Direction de la Sûreté Publique has issued a warning after residents reported fraudulent phone calls from people impersonating police officials.
Residents across the Principality are being targeted by fraudsters posing as Monaco police officers over the phone, according to a warning issued by the Direction de la Sûreté Publique this week. The callers reportedly claim to be investigating officers or administrative staff within the force, using this false authority to pressure victims into handing over personal information, banking details or money.
The tactic, sometimes known as the "fake police officer" scam, typically involves callers creating a sense of urgency, telling victims they are implicated in an investigation or that a relative is in trouble, before requesting payment or sensitive data to resolve the supposed issue. Monaco's Sûreté Publique has stressed that genuine officers will never ask for bank details, passwords or cash transfers by telephone.
Anyone who receives such a call is advised to hang up and contact the Sûreté Publique directly using its official number to verify any claim before sharing information. The force has urged residents, particularly older members of the community who are often targeted in these schemes, to remain cautious and to report suspicious calls so that patterns of fraud can be tracked and investigated.