Warnings about fraud and dubious business practices
On this overview page we collect our most relevant warning articles. We highlight various attempts at fraud and scams, as well as dubious or semi-legal business practices. You can find out what countermeasures make sense and instructions for action depending on the situation in the guides listed here.
Collection of our warning articles
All articles on the topic of cost traps
Cost traps with ETA and e-visas
When searching online, be mindful of the websites you use for ESTA or e-Visa applications. Many seemingly official sites are expensive intermediaries that merely forward applications to the authorities. Always submit applications directly on the official government websites to avoid unnecessary costs.
Online fraud in used car sales
Scammers are targeting buyers on popular platforms with bogus vehicle listings. Learn how to spot the red flags and protect yourself from advance-fee fraud in our full article.
Coaching rip-off still going strong
Dubious coaching providers are still very active. Hardly any other rip-off industry knows how to use the potential of social media and target group advertising so skilfully to get money from the unsuspecting. We give those affected recommendations for action and warn urgently against cost traps amounting to several thousand euros!
Usury with books
Facsimiles, i.e. replicas, of magnificent antique volumes, bibles or encyclopaedias are sold for thousands of euros in door-to-door sales. The victims are mainly elderly or old people. They were promised a safe investment. It later transpires that they were sold relatively worthless books.
Dating agency subscription trap - not only for Valentine's Day
Subscription traps are in high season on Valentine's Day. But all year round, consumers find themselves in subscriptions they didn't really want because subscription providers play tricks.
Black Friday: hype and facts
The end of November is Black Friday, the most popular day of the year for retailers. But bargain hunters should be careful. Retailers are primarily interested in boosting sales and emptying their warehouses. Whether the bombastically advertised savings really materialise is often questionable.
