Caution! Fraudulent calls are on the rise – how to protect yourself!

Caution! Fraudulent calls are on the rise – how to protect yourself!

In Germany, thousands of fraudulent calls reach citizens every day, prompting the Federal Network Agency to issue an increased warning. Tens of thousands of complaints are registered every year about unauthorized advertising calls, which often use various scams to obtain money or personal data. Calls from supposed police officers who pose as employees of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), Europol or Interpol are particularly alarming. These perpetrators often claim that personal information has been stolen and criminals are using it to commit crimes.

The BKA makes it clear: “The police will never ask for the transfer of money.” These scammers are often tech-savvy and can display real police department phone numbers to deceive their victims. If you suspect anything, it is advisable to hang up immediately and get the number of the local police yourself in order to check possible attempts at fraud. Consumer advice centers are also being abused in this context; For example, callers offer supposed competition subscriptions for 79 euros or claim to be able to delete consumers from advertising lists.

New scams and their consequences

Another trick used by fraudsters is to promise fee refunds from banks and savings banks and to use true BGH rulings as a pretext. In a recent incident in Frankfurt am Main, crooks stole 5,000 euros from a consumer. The consumer advice centers have also reported systematic call center fraud from Turkey, in which the perpetrators promise high profits and demand advance payments. This often happens under pressure that there is an urgency.

In addition, a new scam is being observed that is specifically aimed at people who have lost money through crypto investments. These fraudsters create debt collection demands and pressure their victims to pay cash immediately. The Federal Network Agency has also pointed out that telephone advertising without prior consent has been banned in Germany since 2009, and advertising companies are obliged to display their real telephone number.

Consumer protection measures

Consumers should under no circumstances disclose personal data carelessly and only pass on their telephone number to reputable contractual partners. It is advisable to avoid callbacks from unknown numbers, especially from abroad or from premium services. It is also important to carefully monitor financial account activity after suspicious calls.

In the event of an unwanted call, we recommend reporting it to the Federal Network Agency. This institution can impose fines of up to 300,000 euros and can also block telephone numbers in the event of repeated complaints. For a report, information such as date, time and phone number of the caller is required. Consumers can also block unwanted phone numbers via their router or smartphone settings and have the right to block certain phone number ranges.

If fraud is suspected, a criminal complaint should be filed immediately with the local police. Users can also secure evidence of suspected misuse by taking screenshots and individual connection records and, if necessary, informing their telephone provider. You can request a catch call that makes suppressed phone numbers visible, but this service is subject to a charge.

The Federal Network Agency offers on its website Comprehensive tips on how to deal with unwanted calls that educate consumers and warn them to be careful. Consumer advice centers never make unsolicited telephone contact and therefore discretion is required. If there is any suspicion of telephone fraud, those affected should contact the police to protect themselves.