Germany Scams: Online, Investment & Phishing Fraud Guide
Common scams in Germany and how to report to the BSI, state police, and your bank.
Emergency number: 110 (police), 112 (emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Germany experiences significant online fraud including phishing, fake online shops, investment scams, and parcel-fee smishing. The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) provides consumer guidance and a public cybercrime awareness resource, while actual crime reports should be filed with the state police via their online Onlinewache portals. Investment and crypto fraud can be reported to BaFin (the financial regulator). Acting quickly to contact your bank after a suspected fraudulent transfer gives the best chance of a recall under German bank protocols.
Common scams
- Phishing emails and fake banking portals
- Parcel-fee smishing (fake DHL, DPD texts)
- Investment and crypto fraud
- Online marketplace non-delivery
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging unlicensed taxis
- Ticket resale scams for events
Online shopping scams
- Fake online shops
- Phishing targeting bank accounts and email credentials
- Subscription trap websites
Job scams
- Task scams via messaging apps
- Fake remote-work and data-entry scams
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance and crypto investment grooming
Investment scams
- Fake trading platforms and clone firms impersonating licensed brokers
- Crypto and 'AI bot' investment schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if money was transferred
- File a cybercrime report with your state police via the Onlinewache portal
- Report cybersecurity issues and get guidance from BSI at bsi.bund.de
- Report investment fraud to BaFin at bafin.de
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately to attempt to halt or recall a fraudulent transfer. German banks have recall procedures that are most effective within the first few hours. Never share TANs or banking credentials — no legitimate bank asks for them by phone or email.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
How do I report cybercrime in Germany?
File a report with your state police via their Onlinewache online reporting portal. The BSI (bsi.bund.de) provides guidance for consumers. For investment fraud, contact BaFin.
What is the Onlinewache?
It is the online police reporting portal operated by each German state police force, allowing victims to file reports for cybercrimes, fraud, and other offences online without attending a station.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance