Fake bank security warnings

Summary

Why is this warning issued?

This warning was included because it is based on a report from Verbraucherzentrale – Phishing-Radar. It is intended to protect other users from this scam. The assessed risk is high.

How the scam works

• Scammers send messages in the name of banks and payment services (including PayPal, ING, Commerzbank, Postbank) about alleged "unusual activity" and link to deceptively genuine login pages to steal access credentials.
• Messages are sent in the name of banks or payment services about alleged "unusual activity" or a required "verification".
• Victims are lured to fake login pages or pressured on the phone by alleged bank employees to disclose TAN/card data.
• The stolen data is used for unauthorized withdrawals or account takeovers.

How to recognise it

• Link to a fake login page
• Alleged suspicious activity on the account
• Request for TAN/PIN/card data
• Urgency or threat of account blocking

How to protect yourself

• Banks never ask for access credentials, TAN, or card data by email, SMS, or phone.
• Hang up on calls and call the bank back using the number on the back of your card.
• Check account activity regularly and dispute suspicious transactions immediately.
• Do not react under time pressure – legitimate organizations do not pressure you into immediate action.
• If in doubt, contact the affected organization via the officially known phone number or website – never via contact details from the suspicious message.
• In case of fraud, file a report with the police and inform Verbraucherzentrale.

Affected data

Comments

Related warnings

• Parkstrafe per SMS? Kriminelle haben es auf Kreditkartendaten abgesehen!
• Warnung vor falschen Amazon- und PayPal-Anrufen
• Anrufe angeblicher Bankmitarbeiter

Original source

Update history

• 13/07/2026Source added