Fake Tech Support Scams in Germany
How fake tech support scammers target German residents through browser lockscreen alerts, phone calls impersonating Microsoft and Telekom, and remote access schemes.
Part of: Fake Tech Support Calls
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Germany's high rate of home computer and broadband use, combined with a population that places high trust in established technology brands and telecommunications companies, makes it a consistent target for fake tech support operations. Scammers impersonate Microsoft, Telekom, O2, Vodafone, and the Bundesnetzagentur (Federal Network Agency) to gain remote access to victims' devices.
The Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) and Verbraucherzentrale (consumer advice centre) regularly warn about these operations, which frequently target older computer users unfamiliar with the technical framing of the fraud.
How this scam works on Germany
Browser lockscreen alerts display in German, claiming the user's computer is infected and instructing them to call a displayed toll number immediately to prevent data loss or an account block. The number connects to an offshore call centre where English-speaking agents with a German-accented script guide the victim through granting remote access.
Impersonation calls claim to come from Telekom or the Bundesnetzagentur, warning of illegal activity on the victim's router or IP address. Victims are asked to install a remote access tool to allow an engineer to resolve the issue.
Once remote access is granted, the scammer displays fake virus detection results, extracts banking credentials, initiates transfers, or installs persistent malware. Payments are collected via Amazon, Google Play, or iTunes gift card codes described as a 'security deposit' or 'software licence payment.'
Common red flags
- Browser alert in German claiming your computer is infected with a Microsoft or Telekom warning number
- Unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to be a Telekom or Microsoft security engineer
- Request to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or another remote access tool to fix a computer problem
- Caller asking you to read out gift card PIN codes as payment for tech support services
- Bundesnetzagentur caller claiming your IP address was used for illegal activity
How to protect yourself
- Close any browser lockscreen alert — press F11 or Alt+F4; do not call the number displayed
- Microsoft, Telekom, and German government agencies do not make unsolicited support calls
- Never grant remote access to an unsolicited caller regardless of the organisation they claim to represent
- Report suspicious tech support calls to the Verbraucherzentrale at verbraucherzentrale.de
- Run a reputable antivirus scan independently after any suspicious browser alert
How to report it
- Report to the Bundeskriminalamt online at bka.de or your local Polizei
- Report to the Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband at vzbv.de
- Contact your bank immediately if banking credentials were entered during the session
Frequently asked questions
Does Microsoft ever call German users about computer viruses?
Microsoft does not make unsolicited calls about computer viruses or security issues in Germany or anywhere else. Any call claiming to be from Microsoft support that you did not initiate is fraudulent. Hang up immediately and do not call back any number the caller provides.