Algerian Security Services Warn Citizens Against Scammers Impersonating Police Officers

Algeria’s National Gendarmerie Command and General Directorate of National Security have issued a joint warning following the detection of recent electronic fraud attempts involving criminals impersonating members of the country’s security services.

According to the alert, unidentified individuals have been contacting citizens through telephone calls, text messages and social media applications while falsely claiming to represent the National Gendarmerie or National Police.

The fraudsters reportedly attempt to gain victims’ trust before requesting sensitive personal information, including details linked to Edahabia cards and postal accounts. Several citizens have lost money after disclosing confidential information to people they believed were representatives of official institutions.

The two security bodies firmly stressed that their personnel never request citizens’ Edahabia card information, account credentials, personal identification numbers or other confidential banking details through telephone calls, messages or social media platforms.

Citizens have therefore been urged to exercise the highest level of vigilance and avoid sharing personal or financial information, regardless of the method of communication used or the official position claimed by the caller.

The authorities also advised citizens not to respond to pressure, threats or urgent requests intended to force them into revealing confidential information. Any suspicious communication involving financial details should be treated as a possible fraud attempt and reported immediately.

People targeted by such schemes can contact the National Gendarmerie through its toll-free number, 1055, which operates around the clock, or contact the National Police by calling 1548. The Gendarmerie officially presents 1055 as a permanent assistance and reporting service intended to make communication between citizens and its units easier.

Algérie Poste similarly advises cardholders never to disclose their PIN or entrust their Edahabia card to another person. Its official safety guidance states that the card and its confidential code are strictly personal.

The warning reflects the Algerian state’s continued efforts to combat cybercrime, protect citizens’ property and raise public awareness of evolving digital fraud techniques.

The National Gendarmerie and National Police renewed their commitment to identifying those responsible for these crimes and strengthening preventive action. Citizens’ cooperation, particularly through rapid reporting, remains essential to preventing further losses and helping the authorities dismantle fraudulent networks.