False Slomka interview: Fraudsters lure people with a crypto trap!

False Slomka interview: Fraudsters lure people with a crypto trap!

A fake ad that broadcasts a non-existent interview with ZDF presenter Marietta Slomka is currently causing a stir. The fraudsters behind the campaign use the layout of well-known news portals such as “bild.de” to give the appearance of credibility. The dubious account claims that Slomka is supporting a criminal crypto financial platform, reports the F.A.Z..

Marietta Slomka, at the request of the F.A.Z. confirms that it is aware of the fake campaign and is taking legal action. The website used by the scammers, called “Digital Money,” has a false URL and asks desperate users to deposit money and provide personal information. The fabricated interview also claims that an original interview was banned by the Bundesbank, which puts Slomka's words in a dubious light.

False promises and renowned names

The fake content increases fraud by using reputed personalities. Celebrities such as Markus Lanz, Oliver Pocher, Peter Kloeppel and Joko Winterscheidt are falsely quoted in testimonials and as supporters. Slomka is desperately presented as an expert who supposedly reveals how you can become a millionaire in 12-15 weeks with an investment of just 250 euros. ZDF is currently taking steps to take the fake site down and educate the public about the fraud. This is also supported by the NRW consumer advice center.

This scam is not even an isolated incident. Consumer advice centers often warn against fake interviews that provide information about how to get rich quickly and promote the use of trading software with artificial intelligence. This software should enable profits after just 30 minutes with a starting deposit of 250 euros. But here too, the stories conveyed are invented and created without the consent of the celebrities quoted.

Important information for consumers

The consumer advice center's advisors emphasize that there are many indications of fraud on such platforms. The lack of legal notice on broker websites and the absence of the responsible regulatory authorities are alarming signals. German broker websites often only offer English terms and conditions, another indication of a lack of transparency. Consumers are warned to use common sense and strictly ignore such offers.

• Rückzahlungsmöglichkeiten:
• Bei Zahlungen mit Kredit- oder Debitkarten besteht die Chance auf Rückerstattung durch das Chargeback-Verfahren.
• Bei Überweisungen ist die Rückholung des Geldes oft kompliziert und kann kostenpflichtig sein.

Finally, it should be noted that although many platforms are fraudulent, there are certainly reputable providers in the cryptocurrency sector. Those interested should ensure that the providers are licensed and monitored by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) to ensure safe trading.