Fraud Alert: Fake Compensation Letters Target Germans
Fraudulent compensation letters are circulating across Germany, targeting unsuspecting victims with promises of large sums. The letters, claiming to be from non-existent law firms and financial service providers, aim to steal personal information for criminal gain.
The scam, widespread in the Vogtland region and beyond, involves letters purporting to be from 'Teelingberg & Partners LLP' and 'Gerenhold Payments Inc.' - neither of which exist. Perpetrators exploit the seriousness of mail carriers to make the letters appear genuine, already containing personal details like names, addresses, and dates of birth.
To claim the supposed compensation, victims are asked to 'legitimate' themselves via WhatsApp, phone, email, or a fake website. Once personal information is handed over, it can be used for account hacking, sold on the dark web, or identity theft, potentially leading to criminal complaints against the victims.
Authorities warn that the scam is ongoing and evolving, with varying content in the letters. To protect against it, always check the sender of suspicious letters online and contact them using independently researched contact details. If you suspect a letter is a scam, file a criminal complaint with the police. In general, be cautious when releasing personal information.
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