🛡️ netzmeldung.com
DE
Risk: Elevated

Danger from fake appointment invitations by email

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

Summary

What is this about? Current warning from Verbraucherzentrale – Phishing-Radar. 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 Verbraucherzentrale – Phishing-Radar. It is intended to protect other users from this type of fraud. The assessed risk is elevated.

How the scam works

  • You receive an email with a supposed appointment invitation in your inbox
  • The email asks you to click a link or open an attachment
  • The link leads to a fake website or the attachment contains malware
  • This is how criminals try to access your data or compromise your device
  • In the worst case, your PC, smartphone or tablet is no longer secure afterwards

How to recognise it

  • You receive an appointment invitation that you did not expect
  • The sender is unknown to you or appears unusual
  • The email contains a link or attachment that you are supposed to open
  • You are pressured to act quickly or to confirm something
  • The email feels urgent even though no real appointment has been scheduled
  • Prize without participation or a "free" offer requesting your data
  • Advance payment demanded for "fees/taxes"
  • Hidden contract term or follow-up costs

How to protect yourself

  • Do not click links or open attachments in unexpected appointment invitations
  • Check the sender carefully and compare it with known addresses
  • Keep your operating system, browser and antivirus software up to date
  • Preserve evidence (screenshot of the email with header) before deleting the email
  • Contact the Verbraucherzentrale or the police if you are unsure or have already responded

What you should never do

  • Do not click links or attachments in suspicious appointment invitations
  • Do not enter personal data, login credentials or passwords on linked pages
  • Do not reply to the email and do not confirm any supposed appointment
  • Do not transfer money if payments are demanded

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if an appointment invitation is genuine?

Check whether you know the sender and whether you actually scheduled an appointment. If in doubt, contact the sender through a known, separate contact channel – not using the details from the suspicious email.

What happens if I clicked the link or opened the attachment?

Disconnect the device from the internet if possible, preserve evidence and have the device checked by a professional. Change important passwords and inform your bank if login credentials may be affected.

Where did the scammers get my email address?

Data often ends up with criminals through data leaks, hacked address books or freely available sources on the internet. This does not mean you have done anything wrong yourself.

Do I need to reply to the email or pay anything?

No. A genuine appointment invitation does not require a spontaneous payment. Do not reply and do not pay anything – instead, contact the Verbraucherzentrale.

Affected data

Scam type
Phishing

Comments

No comments yet. Registered users can share their experiences.

Related warnings

Original source

Find more information in the original source.

Verbraucherzentrale – Phishing-Radar ↗

Update history

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