Risk: Elevated
Caution: Fake shops: Criminals are exploiting the insolvency of DIY chain “Depot”
Summary
What is this about? Current fraud case reported by Watchlist Internet. See the 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 by Watchlist Internet. It is intended to protect other users from this type of fraud. The classified risk is elevated.
How the scam works
- Current fraud case reported by Watchlist Internet. See the linked source for details.
- Fraudulent online shops lure customers with heavily discounted branded products and appear professional at first glance.
- During the checkout process, advance payment (bank transfer) is often the only payment method left.
- After payment, no goods are delivered, or counterfeit or inferior goods are sent; the shop is subsequently no longer reachable.
How to recognise it
- Advance payment is the only payment method
- Unrealistically low prices for branded products
- Missing or defective legal notice
How to protect yourself
- Before making a purchase, check the legal notice, reviews, and available payment methods.
- Where possible, pay using buyer protection and never transfer advance payments to unknown shops.
- Be wary of unrealistically low prices and additionally research the shop name.
- Do not act under time pressure—legitimate organizations do not pressure you to act immediately.
- If you suspect fraud, contact the organization concerned using its officially known phone number or website—never use contact details from the suspicious message.
- In cases of fraud, file a report with the police and inform the Verbraucherzentrale.
Affected data
Scam type
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Original source
Find more information in the original source.
Watchlist Internet ↗Update history
- 04/11/2026Warning added from an official source