How to spot the most common scams
The stories change, the pattern stays the same: you’re supposed to buy voucher codes and hand them over to someone you don’t know personally. No one legitimate asks for payment by voucher code.
- 01 Delivery service A message supposedly from DHL, FedEx, UPS or DPD demands a fee paid by voucher code. Real delivery services never ask for that.
- 02 Buying on online marketplaces When buying via eBay, Kleinanzeigen, Leboncoin or Facebook Marketplace, you’re asked to pay a fee in advance by voucher code. After that, contact breaks off.
- 03 Invoice or fine An outstanding invoice or a fine is supposed to be settled by voucher code. Companies and authorities never ask for that.
- 04 Emergency stories Someone supposedly needs money urgently – for food, an operation or a trip. Even so, don’t hand over any codes.
- 05 Online romance Someone you know from the internet but have never met keeps asking for codes. Sooner or later, contact breaks off.
- 06 Paying for someone else’s order A seller offers you something cheaply and you’re supposed to transfer the amount to us with an order number. The seller then gets the code – and you never get your goods.
- 07 Fake phone support Someone pretends to be a Microsoft employee and wants to access your computer. Afterwards, purchases are made in your name – never give anyone remote access.