Swiss cantons warn residents about eTax phishing scam emails

Several Swiss cantons have issued warnings to residents about tax scam emails claiming to be from cantonal tax authorities in Central Switzerland.

Fake eTax emails target residents across Central Switzerland

Residents are being urged to remain vigilant against potential fraudulent emails circulating in the cantons of Zug, Lucerne, Schwyz, Uri, Obwalden and Nidwalden.

Scam emails are being sent either claiming to be from the cantonal tax authority or using the email address eTax.ch, a software commonly used to file taxes in Switzerland. 

The scam alleges that the recipient has an “outstanding balance on a final tax statement” and demands “prompt payment” or otherwise face “legal action, late payment fees or default interest,” explains a Zug cantonal press release. 

Cantonal authorities added that anyone who receives this email should not click on any links or buttons and should not make any payments.

“The Zug cantonal tax administration never requests payment of alleged tax arrears via such links in emails. We urge you to be vigilant and thank you for alerting others,” added Canton Zug.

Taxpayers are reminded to:

• Only visit official government websites to access tax portals
• Avoid sharing any personal information such as login or bank details
• Check with the relevant tax authority if unsure about the status of your tax
• Delete any suspicious emails or messages

Image Credit: Kanton Zug

Police & financial sector launch anti-fraud campaign

The warning against phishing scams in Switzerland comes just after the police and several financial providers announced a campaign to raise awareness about online payment fraud.

Pay Attent!on, the association behind the initiative, wants to “better protect people from phishing, scams and other fraudulent schemes,” and will bring together SwissDebitPay, Swiss Payment Association, the Swiss Bankers Association and the Swiss Crime Prevention Association.

The campaign will launch in 2027 and will focus on raising public awareness about scams involving online payments such as debit and credit cards as well as TWINT and e-banking.