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Money · Germany
Updated September 2026

💳 I was scammed online — who do I report it to?

Direct answer

Three things, in this order: (1) call your bank the moment you notice — a transfer can sometimes still be recalled within 24 hours, and a card payment charged back. (2) Report it to Polizei — Onlinewache (polizei.de) so there is an official record; you need the reference number for your bank and insurer. (3) Tell Verbraucherzentrale (verbraucherzentrale.de) so the pattern gets flagged and others are warned. Keep every screenshot, the account number or IBAN you paid, and the seller's profile before you block them.

Call firstPolizei — Onlinewache
Report toVerbraucherzentrale
If that failsDeine Bank — Sperr-Notruf

🗣️ What to say

"I paid €… on [date] to [IBAN / card / platform] for [what]. I now believe this was fraud: [why]. I want to recall or dispute the payment and I need a case reference for the police report."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Stop all contactDo not pay "release fees" or "taxes" to get money back — that is the second scam. Screenshot the ad, profile, chat and payment first, then block.
  2. Call your bankAsk for a SEPA recall (transfer) or a chargeback (card). The sooner, the better; after 24 hours a transfer is usually gone.
  3. Report to Polizei — OnlinewacheOnline where possible. Keep the reference number — your bank, insurer and the platform will ask for it.
  4. Warn VerbraucherzentraleThe national fraud point logs the seller, phone number and IBAN so the next person gets a warning.
  5. Tell the platformReport the account on the marketplace or app so it is removed. Some platforms have buyer protection if you paid through them.

📇 All contacts

Polizei — OnlinewacheOnline report, reference number immediatelyAlways — the basis for bank, insurer and platform🔗 www.polizei.de/Polizei/DE/Einrichtungen/Onlinewache/onlinewache_node.html
VerbraucherzentraleAdvice, fake-shop finder, template lettersFor the next steps and to check the shop🔗 www.verbraucherzentrale.de/fakeshopfinder
Deine Bank — Sperr-NotrufSEPA recall, chargeback, card blockImmediately after paying, 24/7📞 116 116🔗 www.sperr-notruf.de

❓ Frequently asked

Will I get my money back?

Sometimes. A card payment can be charged back for weeks; a bank transfer only if the money has not left the receiving account, which is why the first hour matters. Cash, crypto and gift cards are gone.

Is it worth reporting a small amount?

Yes. Scams are prosecuted on volume: your report links to hundreds of others with the same IBAN or number. The reference is also what your bank needs.

I gave them my ID or bank details — what now?

Tell your bank, change passwords, enable two-factor login, and report identity misuse to Verbraucherzentrale. Watch your statements for months.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “scammed online what to do Germany”
  • “report fraud Germany”
  • “get money back after scam”
  • “fake webshop report”
  • “marketplace scam police”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🔐Data misuse→🚚Parcel not delivered→🎯Phishing message→⚡Energy bill dispute→

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