Online financial fraud

Sicherheitab 9 J.

The most common online scams: phishing emails, fake shops, romance scams, crypto fraud, “get rich quick” offers. How to protect yourself and what to do if you're defrauded.

The 5 most common online scams:

1. Phishing emails:

• Fake emails that look like they're from your bank/PayPal/Amazon
• Goal: to steal your login details
• Protection: never click links in emails – always go to the website directly

2. Fake shops:

• Professional-looking online shops that never deliver
• Signs: payment in advance only, no legal notice, unrealistic prices
• Protection: google reviews, look for Trusted Shops/TÜV seals

3. Crypto/investment fraud:

• "10% return guaranteed!", "Rich in 30 days!"
• Often via social media or WhatsApp
• Protection: guaranteed returns don't exist. Check the BaFin warning list

4. Romance scam:

• Fraudsters build up a romantic relationship online, then ask for money
• "I'm in trouble, please transfer me €5,000"
• Protection: never send money to people you've never met in person

5. Tech support scam:

• A caller pretends to be from Microsoft/Apple and wants remote access to your computer
• Protection: Microsoft/Apple NEVER call unsolicited. Hang up immediately

If you've been scammed, immediately: inform your bank (block your account), report it to the police online (online.polizei.de), contact the consumer advice centre.

Did you know? Online fraud causes more than €200 million in damage in Germany every year. The real figure is much higher – many victims don't report it out of shame.

Something missing or could the translation be better?

← Finanzberater vs. Honorarberater Finanzbildung ab welchem Alter →

📚 Online financial fraud understood?

Deepen your financial knowledge with 60 free learning modules and 16 calculators.

📚 To the learning paths →

🧮 Calculators 📖 Glossary

📅 Stand: 17. Juli 2026✔️ Redaktionell geprüftÜber SaveFoxy FAQ Fehler melden? Im Lexikon mitmachen