Increased grievances regarding digital services
In recent times, consumer advocacy centers in Germany have seen a significant surge in complaints about dubious internet service offers, particularly for mail forwarding, criminal record certificates, and other official documents. The first half of 2025 alone recorded over 2,900 complaints, a nearly threefold increase compared to the previous year.
These online services often fail to deliver as promised, leaving consumers without the services they paid for. One common example is a website charging fees for online forms to contact the contribution service of public broadcasting, a service that can be done for free directly. Consumer advocacy centers are taking legal action against such websites.
Consumers are advised to exercise caution when using these types of online services. It's essential to verify if the service has proper authorization and supervision by relevant authorities such as BaFin before engaging financially. Unsolicited investment offers through WhatsApp groups or websites impersonating known entities or individuals should also be approached with skepticism.
The rise in complaints is not limited to financial scams but also extends to cyberattacks affecting service providers and infrastructure in Germany. This underscores the importance of cybersecurity vigilance. Consumers are urged to use trusted VPN services and security tools, avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading attachments that may carry malware, and check for official announcements or warnings from BaFin or other supervisory bodies regarding suspicious websites or companies.
The federal association has also sued a website for providing unclear information. The head of the federal association, Ramona Pop, emphasized that online fraud can be costly and leads to insecurity and loss of trust among the population. She reiterated that consumers should be cautious when offers are advertised on search engines, as they may be fraudulent.
Platforms that earn money from advertising must fulfill their responsibility to prevent unserious offers. Service providers offering these types of services online are often responsible for consumers not receiving their money's worth. Dubious internet service offers for mail forwarding, criminal record certificates, and other official documents have resulted in a significant increase in complaints to consumer advocacy centers.
Online fraud is a real risk that can be detrimental to consumer trust. Consumers are urged to stay vigilant and protect themselves by following the advice provided by consumer advocacy centers and the federal association.
The surge in complaints about dubious internet services reflects the need for consumers to verify a service's legitimacy before engaging financially, particularly in industries like mail forwarding and official document services that may be highly prone to fraud. Unauthorized services, even those related to general news or technology, can lead to financial losses and erode consumer trust.
