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Danger! How to protect myself from internet fraud – tips for consumers!
Strong networks for wind power, online fraud and refund options: An overview of current economic challenges.
Danger! How to protect myself from internet fraud – tips for consumers!
Strong grids play a crucial role in efficiently transporting wind power from the coast to the industrial centers in the west and south of Germany. In order to meet this challenge, both the construction and maintenance of these networks are necessary, but this involves considerable costs. However, in today's increasingly digitalized world, consumers face not only the challenges of the power grid, but also a growing number of online payment frauds. This is particularly problematic for older people, who often feel unsettled by these scams. Unfortunately, not all those affected report these incidents to the police, which further exacerbates the problem Daily Mirror reported.
Online shopping is enjoying ever-increasing popularity; In 2024, over 88 billion euros were sold in online goods trading in Germany. However, despite the convenience that online purchases offer, they also come with risks, particularly due to non-delivery. Consumers are well advised to be skeptical about offers that are significantly cheaper than the competition. Fraudsters repeatedly use similar scams: They offer popular goods as available for immediate delivery, even though they are sold out everywhere.
Fraud detection
Particular caution is advised if advance payment is required. This applies not only to unknown online shops, but also to platforms such as eBay and Amazon Marketplace, where dubious offers lurk. It is advisable to check the reputability of a provider through internet research and ensure that the user is on the real website. The rise of fake shops is causing more and more consumers to fall into the trap, increasing the demand for measures to recover lost funds.
Refund options
If consumers have fallen victim to fraud, there are various ways to get their money back, but these often depend on the payment method. As a rule, transfers cannot be reversed once they have been made. However, it is possible to reverse SEPA direct debits within eight weeks. Unauthorized direct debits can even be canceled within up to 13 months. Credit card payments may be subject to the charge-back process and consumers may be charged processing fees.
Internet payment services such as PayPal offer buyer protection, which usually only applies to the sale of goods. Cash transfer services such as Western Union, on the other hand, allow the money to be recalled until it is picked up by the recipient. If a crime is discovered, the provider's fraud hotline should be contacted immediately. This information comes from the Consumer advice center.