Advance fee fraud

Typical warning signs

Be suspicious if:

• an offer sounds too good to be true;

• you are promised a large profit, an inheritance or a particularly favourable offer;

• you are put under time pressure, for example with statements such as “Valid today only” or “Pay now”;

• well-known brands or celebrities are used to build trust;

• an advance payment is required, in particular via cryptocurrency, a gift card or Immediate Payment;

• further fees, taxes, notary’s fees or other payments may be subsequently charged;

• you are put under emotional pressure or threatened if you fail to make a payment;

• you are told that you should keep the matter confidential;

• if communication following initial contact is mainly via messaging services;

Here’s how to protect yourself

• Be wary if you are promised unusually large amounts of money.

• Never pay in advance – not even for what are said to be fees or deposits.

• Don’t make any hasty decisions and, if in doubt, speak to someone you trust. The greater the pressure, the more important it is to step back and think.

• End, block and report suspicious contacts, and do not respond to threats.

• Be careful when receiving contact requests from strangers, particularly on dating and matchmaking platforms.

• Do not give copies of your ID card, bank details or passwords to strangers.