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Risk: Elevated

Fake FinanzOnline email: €3,612 tax refund promised

Category: Consumer warnings · Published: 24/09/2026 · Last updated: 25/09/2026

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 was included because it is based on a report from Watchlist Internet. It is intended to protect other users from this scam. The classified risk level is elevated.

How the scam works

  • You receive an email that appears to come from FinanzOnline, with the subject line referring to a tax refund for 2025.
  • The email states that €3,612 has been approved for payout.
  • You are asked to click a button such as 'Connect bank account now' to receive the transfer.
  • The button leads to a fake website modeled on the real FinanzOnline page.
  • On this page, you are asked for personal data, bank details, or online banking credentials.
  • If you enter this data, it goes straight to the criminals and can be misused for further fraud.

How to recognise it

  • You unexpectedly receive an email about a large tax refund (€3,612) without having filed a claim.
  • The displayed sender is 'FinanzOnline', but the underlying email address does not match.
  • You are asked to first 'connect' or 'verify' your bank account with FinanzOnline before the money is paid out.
  • The link does not lead to the real site finanzonline.bmf.gv.at but to a similar-looking fake domain.
  • Time pressure is created: the payout is supposed to take place within 1 to 3 business days.
  • The text requests personal data or online banking credentials, even though FinanzOnline states it does not store such data.
  • Prize without participation or a 'free' offer requesting data
  • Advance payment requested for 'fees/taxes'

How to protect yourself

  • Do not click on links in unexpected emails, even if they initially appear legitimate.
  • Open FinanzOnline yourself in your browser (finanzonline.bmf.gv.at) and check whether there is actually a message or open items there.
  • Long-press the link on your smartphone or hover over it with your mouse to see the actual destination address before clicking.
  • If in doubt, contact your tax office or consumer advice center directly and ask.
  • If you have entered data: inform your bank immediately, have cards and access blocked, and file a report with the police.

What you should never do

  • Do not click carelessly on the 'Connect bank account' button or similar links in the email.
  • Do not enter any personal data, bank details, or online banking credentials on the linked page.
  • Do not reply to the email and do not open any attachments.
  • Do not transfer any money to release an alleged payout – payouts work without your action.
  • Do not ignore suspicious emails if you have already entered data – inform your bank and the police.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to 'release' or 'activate' the €3,612 refund in some way?

No. A real tax refund is automatically transferred to your known account. You do not need to reconnect a bank account or re-enter any data.

How do the scammers know that I am waiting for a refund?

Generally, they do not know this specifically. They simply exploit the fact that many people are currently waiting for their tax adjustment and hope that someone clicks without paying attention.

What happens if I opened the link but did not enter any data?

In most cases, there is no direct harm. Delete the email and watch out for unusual messages or account activity over the next few days.

What should I do if I have already entered data?

Inform your bank immediately, have your cards and online banking access blocked, and file a report with the police. Additionally, contact a consumer advice center.

How can I tell whether a FinanzOnline email is genuine?

Genuine emails refer to the address finanzonline.bmf.gv.at. When in doubt, open FinanzOnline manually in your browser and check whether anything is pending there. If you are unsure, ask your tax office.

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Related warnings

Original source

Find more information in the original source.

Watchlist Internet ↗

Update history

  • 25/09/2026Description updated
  • 24/09/2026Warning added from an official source