Scam in SwitzerlandOn the street
Unwanted approaches from drug dealers in Switzerland
How it works
Dealers may approach or hassle passers-by. These approaches are not described as a specific fraud, and the dealers are not usually seeking to mug people.
Warning signs
- Someone approaches you to sell drugs.
- They keep pressing after you decline.
How to avoid it
- Decline briefly and keep moving.
- Do not stop to negotiate.
- Seek help if the approach becomes threatening.
If it happens to you
Move towards other people or staff. Contact police if you are threatened.
- Move somewhere safe. If you feel threatened, enter a nearby restaurant. Call 112 for an emergency.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen payment cards and contact your card issuer about suspicious charges.
- Write down the time, place and what happened. Save receipts, transaction records and any other evidence.
- Report theft or fraud to police. Tell train staff, accommodation staff or a rental company when relevant.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen. Ask about replacement travel documents.
- Contact your travel insurer. Keep the police report and records of related costs.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the unwanted approaches from drug dealers scam in Switzerland?
Dealers may approach or hassle passers-by. These approaches are not described as a specific fraud, and the dealers are not usually seeking to mug people.
How can I spot it early?
Someone approaches you to sell drugs. They keep pressing after you decline.
How do I avoid unwanted approaches from drug dealers in Switzerland?
Decline briefly and keep moving. Do not stop to negotiate. Seek help if the approach becomes threatening.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move towards other people or staff. Contact police if you are threatened.
Where in Switzerland does this happen?
Around Lausanne's train station and Chauderon. It has been reported in Lausanne.
How common is this scam in Switzerland?
Occasional. Switzerland is generally very safe, but theft still affects visitors. The main concerns are pickpockets, stolen bags and burglary; the other risks described here include a rigged street game, pushy begging and exposed card details.
Are there similar scams in Switzerland?
Yes: rigged hiding-the-ball street game, pushy or organised begging.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft or suspected fraud to police. For an emergency, call 112; operators generally speak English. Police in Basel: call 117 in an emergency. Operators usually speak English. Nearby police officer or security guard in Lausanne: report cases involving begging children directly to the nearest officer or guard. Basel tram or bus operator: ask the operator for help if you have trouble on board. In an emergency, the operator can alert police to the vehicle's location. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a stolen card and report unauthorised transactions. Accommodation provider or rental company: tell reception, your host or the rental company about a burglary, damaged lock or stolen rental bicycle. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen. Travel insurer: use the insurer's claims service. Keep your police report, receipts and a list of stolen items.
What number do I call in an emergency in Switzerland?
General emergency; operators generally speak English: 112, Police emergency in Basel; operators usually speak English: 117, Emergency medical assistance in Lausanne; French-language assistance: 144.
Reviewed by @snuck