Risk: Elevated

Fake invoices and chat partners at ZumDaten, MichVerlieben & Co.

Category: Consumer warnings · Published: 13/07/2026 · Last updated: 22/07/2026

Summary

What is this about? Current fraud case reported by Watchlist Internet. For details, see the linked source.

Who is affected? Consumers in Germany.

How high is the risk? Elevated

Why is this warning issued?

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

How the scam works

You receive an invoice for several hundred euros from a dating platform such as zumdaten.com or michverlieben.com.
The invoice allegedly contains real customer data to appear legitimate – but many recipients have never registered there.
The demands are sent out en masse; the perpetrators count on some paying out of uncertainty.
Anyone who has actually registered on the platform quickly receives messages that suggest genuine interest.
After two free messages, that is it – continuing the chat is only possible by purchasing coins.
Those who buy coins only realise when looking at the terms and conditions that the conversations are conducted by paid staff of the platform and that there are no genuine interested parties.
If payment is not made, reminders or threats from debt collection agencies follow in order to pressure those affected into paying after all.

How to recognise it

You receive an invoice or reminder from a dating platform that you are not aware of having registered with.
The invoice contains alleged customer numbers, login details, or invoice numbers that you do not recognise.
After only two free messages, you are asked to buy coins in order to continue chatting.
The coins are expensive – the source code mentions around 20 euros for approximately 30 messages.
The platform's terms and conditions describe the offer as a pure entertainment platform with fictional conversations conducted by chat partners specifically hired for this purpose – and not as a dating marketplace with real contacts.
Threats or reminders from debt collection agencies arrive even though you have not concluded any contract.
Prize without participation or a 'free' offer requesting personal data
Advance payment demanded for 'fees/taxes'

How to protect yourself

Do not pay if you can prove that you did not enter into a subscription – a demand without a contract is not lawful.
Object to the demand in writing (by letter or e-mail) and keep a copy.
Preserve all evidence: invoices, e-mails, reminders, screenshots of the terms and conditions and the website.
Do not be intimidated by debt collection letters – debt collection agencies are not state bodies and have no special powers.
Contact a consumer advice centre before paying – even if you actually registered and bought coins.
Only take action once an official document from a court has been served; only then is genuine action required.

What you should never do

Do not pay hastily out of uncertainty or fear of consequences.
Do not let yourself be pressured by threats of seizure, bailiffs, or debt collection.
Do not buy coins or memberships without first reading the terms and conditions and the small print.
Do not disclose any further personal data, bank or credit card details to the platform or alleged debt collection agencies.
Do not react hastily to reminders; first seek advice from a consumer advice centre.

Frequently asked questions

I have never opened an account with the platform – do I still have to pay?

No. Without a conscious conclusion of a contract, you owe nothing. A paid contract only comes into existence if you yourself have committed to a payment.

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

As long as no judicial document is served, nothing generally happens. Further reminders from the same provider or from debt collection agencies are unenforceable without a valid contract.

How did they get my data if I never registered?

This often cannot be determined conclusively. The data may originate from data leaks, purchased address lists, or simply guessed/generated details. The source code warning points out that the demands are apparently sent out en masse and without any real contractual basis.

I actually registered and bought coins – what can I do?

If the terms and conditions obscure the fact that the chat partners are paid staff, the contract may be legally problematic. Be sure to seek advice from a consumer advice centre before paying.

A debt collection agency is threatening me – can anything really happen to me?

Debt collection agencies are not state bodies and have no special powers. Seizure or a bailiff only become a threat once a judicial document is received – and that requires a valid contract as its basis.

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Original source

Find more information in the original source.

Watchlist Internet ↗

Update history

22/07/2026Description updated
13/07/2026Warning added from an official source