Report a scam in Germany

Use the official channels below. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.

Emergency number: 110 - for immediate danger only.

Polizei (Online-Wache)
Verified official source

Report fraud to the German police via your state's online portal.

Source type: other · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://www.polizei.de
BSI – Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik
Verified official source

Federal cyber security guidance.

Source type: other · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://www.bsi.bund.de
Verbraucherzentrale
Verified official source

German consumer advice centres.

Source type: other · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://www.verbraucherzentrale.de
Verbraucherzentrale – Identitätsdiebstahl
Verified official source

Guidance on identity theft.

Source type: other · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://www.verbraucherzentrale.de

Report scam texts: Report scam SMS to the Bundesnetzagentur and your provider.

Report phishing email: Forward phishing to the impersonated organisation and the Verbraucherzentrale phishing radar.

If money is involved: Call your bank; you can also block cards via the central hotline 116 116.

Police advice: Call 110 in an emergency; report fraud via your state police online-wache.

Evidence to save:

Save screenshots, sender numbers or emails, transaction references, and any links - without reopening them.

What not to do:

Do not pay 'recovery' fees, do not share more codes or details, and do not act on follow-up 'fraud team' messages.

Beware of recovery scams: no official body charges an upfront private fee to recover lost money.

How to report in Germany

Online scams & fraud: use the fraud or consumer-protection authority above. Describe what happened and include your evidence (screenshots, dates, amounts, references).

Cybercrime (hacking, account takeover): file with the national cybercrime portal or police cyber unit listed above.

Scam texts & calls: Report scam SMS to the Bundesnetzagentur and your provider.

Bank & payment scams: Call your bank; you can also block cards via the central hotline 116 116.

If you sent money: contact your bank or payment provider right away, save all evidence, and report to the authority above. The faster you act, the better the chance of recovery.

If you shared ID or KYC documents: watch for identity theft, consider a credit freeze or fraud alert where available, and follow the shared-ID recovery guide.

Stay safe while reporting

Do not use phone numbers or links from the suspicious message.
Search for official authorities independently and type the address yourself.
Report quickly if money was sent or ID documents were shared.

Common scams in Germany

Bank (smishing) and phishing
Delivery (DHL) fee scams
Fake support and refund scams
Investment and romance scams

Not sure if a message is a scam?

Check it first to see the red flags and what to do.

Check a message

Helpful next steps

Learn the red flags

Common scam types

Check & learn

Frequently asked questions

How do I report a scam in Germany?

Use the official authorities listed on this page. If money is involved, contact your bank first, then file a report with the fraud or cybercrime authority.

Can I get my money back?

Sometimes, if you act quickly through your bank. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed recovery for an upfront fee - that is a recovery scam.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03. Always confirm links on the official site.

Found an outdated official link? Tell us so we can review it.