Fake debt collection and customs demands

Summary

Why is this warning issued?

This warning was added because it is based on a report from Verbraucherzentrale. It is intended to protect other users from this scam method. The assessed risk is elevated.

How the scam works

• You receive an unsolicited letter, email, or SMS that looks like an official reminder or debt collection notice.
• It claims an outstanding debt – often for an alleged subscription, a parcel fee, a customs processing charge, or an order you do not remember.
• Threatening language (seizure, criminal complaint, court) and a short deadline are used to unsettle you.
• Unusual, untraceable payment methods are often offered for settlement.
• Anyone who ignores the demand frequently receives aggressive follow-up letters or phone calls.
• Anyone who pays enables the fraudsters to profit directly – no legitimate refund follows.

How to recognise it

• You receive a payment demand without ever having concluded a contract or placed an order with the named company.
• Threats are made of immediate consequences such as seizure, bailiff action, or criminal proceedings.
• Very short payment deadlines put you under pressure.
• Unfamiliar payment methods are demanded, such as prepaid cards, cryptocurrencies, or foreign accounts.
• The letter contains no breakdown of the claim, or only an unclear one.
• The sender, file reference, or company name appears untrustworthy or cannot be clearly identified.
• Demands made in the name of customs, tax, or law enforcement authorities that pressure you to pay immediately.
• Unknown demand with a short payment deadline

How to protect yourself

• Keep all letters, emails, and messages as evidence – including digital screenshots.
• Check the demand carefully: Is there actually a contract or order? Can the sender and file reference be clearly identified?
• Do not react too hastily: ask a legitimate debt collection company in writing for a breakdown of the claim and a copy of the contract.
• If in doubt, contact your consumer advice centre or report the incident to the police.
• Do not disclose any personal data or access details over the phone, even if the caller claims to be an authority.
• Use the online services offered by the consumer advice centres, for example to check providers with the Fakeshop-Finder.

What you should never do

• Do not pay prematurely just because the letter contains threats.
• Do not transfer money to foreign accounts or via prepaid cards/cryptocurrencies if you do not know the recipient.
• Do not click on links in suspicious emails and do not open attachments.
• Do not provide bank details, ID numbers, or access data over the phone, even if the person claims to be police or customs.
• Do not ignore the matter entirely – secure evidence and seek help instead of simply paying.

Frequently asked questions

Affected data

Comments

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Original source

Update history

• 22/07/2026Description updated, Characteristics added