Liechtenstein Woman Falls Victim to Sophisticated Online Classifieds Scam, Tens of Thousands of Francs Stolen

Recent Online Fraud Highlights Sophisticated Tactics

The Liechtenstein National Police recently issued a warning following a sophisticated online fraud incident where a woman from Liechtenstein was targeted, resulting in the theft of tens of thousands of francs. The case underscores the evolving and increasingly elaborate methods employed by cybercriminals to defraud individuals online.

Modus Operandi: From Classifieds to E-Banking Theft

The incident began when the victim offered an item for sale on an online classifieds portal. A supposed prospective buyer contacted her, initiating a communication that led to the fraud. Fraudsters sent the victim a fake receipt with a QR code for the purchase transaction. This QR code directed the victim to a fraudulent website, which was designed to mimic a legitimate parcel delivery service, such as Swiss Post.

On this deceptive site, the victim was prompted to select her bank, subsequently being redirected to a fake login page resembling her actual bank's e-banking portal. The login information (password, etc.) entered by the victim on this spoofed site was then misused by the unknown perpetrators to debit a substantial sum from her account.

Broader Landscape of Online Scams in Liechtenstein

This incident is part of a wider trend of increasing cybercrime in Liechtenstein, a challenge acknowledged by authorities and financial institutions. The Liechtenstein Bankers Association and the Liechtensteinische Landesbank (LLB) have consistently warned the public about various e-banking scams and the growing impact of digitalization on cyber risks.

Common scam types prevalent in the region include:

• Phishing/Smishing/Vishing: Scammers use forged emails, text messages, or phone calls to trick users into revealing personal or financial information.
• Romance Scams: Perpetrators establish fake romantic relationships to solicit money from victims, with some cases in Liechtenstein involving hundreds of thousands of francs.
• Investment Scams: Fraudsters promise high returns on investments, often in cryptocurrencies, which ultimately disappear into the scammer's accounts.
• Fake Authority Calls: Scammers impersonate police officers or other authorities to extract personal data or money.

Official Warnings and Prevention Measures

In response to these threats, the Liechtenstein National Police and financial institutions have intensified their efforts to raise public awareness and provide guidance on prevention. The police strongly advise against entering sensitive login information on websites accessed via unknown or insecure links or QR codes.

Key recommendations for online safety include:

• Never enter bank details on third-party websites.
• Avoid clicking on links from suspicious emails, SMS, or QR codes.
• Do not disclose sensitive personal information without thorough verification.
• Always type the bank's official website address directly into the browser if unsure.
• Report any unusual occurrences to the bank and the National Police immediately.

The government of Liechtenstein is also actively working to improve cybersecurity through its National Strategy for Protection Against Cyber Risks 2025, which focuses on risk awareness, resilience, networking, and active contribution from all stakeholders.