Con artists are targeting Monaco residents with a sophisticated phone scam that tricks victims into thinking they are speaking to local police.

Scammers are using phone spoofing technology to display the official Sûreté Publique switchboard number directly on caller screens. Claiming to investigate an urgent bank fraud or an ongoing case, the fraudsters manufacture a sense of panic to pressure targets into handing over personal details, confidential banking codes, cash, or valuables.

Don’t rely on Caller ID

The Sûreté Publique stresses that an official caller ID is no guarantee of identity, as spoofing tools make it easy to forge incoming numbers.

How to protect yourself

Police urge everyone to keep personal information strictly private. Never share bank details, passwords, or PINs over the phone, and remember that real police officers will never call to ask for cash, jewellery, or items of value.

If a call feels suspicious, hang up straight away. Disconnect immediately and dial 17 to speak directly to the Sûreté Publique. Anyone who has received one of these fake calls or suspects they have fallen victim to the scam should contact Monaco Police without delay to report the incident or lodge an official complaint.

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Photo Credit: Pexels – Phasha 360