Lugano City Police joins national campaign against online romance scams

The Lugano City Police is joining the national campaign against online romance scams, known as «Romance Scam». This initiative, promoted by Swiss Crime Prevention (SCP), will run from March to May 2025 and aims to raise public awareness of the risks linked to virtual romantic relationships initiated on the internet.

With the slogan "True love doesn't cost a thing," the campaign emphasizes a fundamental golden rule: "Never send money to people you only know online". Fraudsters create false identities to deceive individuals who, in good faith, seek friendship or love online. Often, these criminals operate from abroad and manage to overcome language barriers, including through the use of artificial intelligence tools.

The police thus encourage citizens to remain vigilant, beware of suspicious financial requests, and immediately contact the authorities if in doubt. Reporting suspicious situations promptly is crucial to prevent further cases.

Additionally, the campaign aims to highlight the emotional and psychological harm caused by these scams, which go beyond financial losses alone.

Further information, real-life examples, and practical tips on how to recognize and avoid these scams can be found on the campaign’s official website.

The SCP and cantonal and municipal police forces
Swiss Crime Prevention (SCP) is an intercantonal service specialized in crime prevention and committed to enhancing the public’s sense of security. The SCP operates under the Conference of Cantonal Justice and Police Directors (CCJPD).