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Risk: Elevated

The double transfer: How criminals try to cash in twice with one scheme

Category: Consumer warnings · Published: 06/08/2026 · Last updated: 07/08/2026

Summary

What is this about? Current fraud case, reported by Watchlist Internet. See linked source for details.
Who is affected? Consumers in Germany.
How high is the risk? Elevated

Why is this warning issued?

This warning has been included because it is based on a report from Watchlist Internet. It is intended to protect other users from this fraud scheme. The assessed risk is elevated.

How the scam works

  • You come across an online shop (e.g., ms-anhanger.at) that offers trailers or bicycles far below market price.
  • The legal notice looks legitimate because data from a real company based in Upper Austria has been copied.
  • You order and pay by bank transfer – no other payment methods are available.
  • Shortly afterwards, you receive an official-looking email stating that there has been 'a small problem with the banking system'.
  • You are asked to cancel the transfer just made and transfer the amount to an account of a private individual (e.g., 'deputy chief accountant').
  • Due to the time pressure and concern about your order, you make a second transfer. Both amounts are now gone and practically irrecoverable.
  • If the victim becomes suspicious and contacts them, further IBANs and new contact channels quickly appear – the scammers evade.

How to recognise it

  • The only payment method offered is bank transfer – other options such as purchase on invoice or payment services are missing.
  • After the first payment, an email follows with alleged 'problems with the banking system' and the request to cancel the amount and transfer it to a new account.
  • The transfer is supposed to go to a private individual described as 'deputy chief accountant' or similar, instead of to a company account.
  • Pressure for 'instant transfers' that can no longer be reversed.
  • The legal notice is copied from a real existing company in Upper Austria – but does not match the domain or the product range (e.g., cyclist logo on a trailer shop).
  • The email address has nothing to do with the company name, the phone number given is permanently busy, photos appear partly blurred, and the language switches between German and English.
  • Multiple German IBANs are used, although it is supposed to be an Austrian company. The domain was only recently changed (according to the source: 11.07.2026).
  • Prize without participation or 'free' offer with data request

How to protect yourself

  • Never make a second transfer if you are asked to do so by email – instead, contact the shop using the independently verified contact details listed in the legal notice.
  • Contact your bank immediately, explain the incident, and ask whether the transaction can still be stopped or reversed.
  • File a report with the police and secure all evidence: screenshots of the website, emails, chat history, and bank statements.
  • Do not send payment confirmations or personal documents to unknown email addresses.
  • Check shops before ordering through independent sources, such as Watchlist Internet or consumer protection centers.
  • Watch out for red flags such as dubious payment methods, missing contact options, and significantly deviating prices.

What you should never do

  • Do not transfer money to an account of a private individual if the shop claims to be a company.
  • Do not let yourself be pressured by terms such as 'banking system problem' or 'deputy chief accountant'.
  • Do not make an 'instant transfer' if it is supposedly the only payment option – especially not with unknown shops.
  • Do not ignore suspicious emails; report them to your bank and the police.
  • Do not send confirmations, ID copies, or screenshots to addresses that do not match the shop.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to make the requested second transfer?

No. Legitimate companies do not ask you by email to transfer money to a private account. That is a clear sign of fraud. Instead, contact your bank directly.

Can I get my already transferred money back?

Unfortunately, the chance of recovering transferred amounts – especially instant transfers – is very low. Nevertheless, you should inform your bank immediately and file a report with the police, as every hour can count.

Where did the scammers get my data?

The legal notice and parts of the company data were copied from a real existing company. Your personal data usually comes from your order in the fake shop or from general data leaks on the internet.

What happens if I do not respond to the email at all?

Nothing further happens – but the first transfer is unfortunately usually lost. By not responding, you at least prevent the second loss.

How can I recognize this scheme even before the first payment?

Look for a combination of conspicuous features: only bank transfer as payment option, strikingly low prices, multiple or changing IBANs, permanently busy phone numbers, blurry images, and a legal notice that does not match the product range.

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Original source

Find more information in the original source.

Watchlist Internet ↗

Update history

  • 07/08/2026Description updated
  • 06/08/2026Warning added from an official source