Beware of traps
Fraudsters know many ways to take their victims to the cleaners. Often the scam is executed via internet, but it can also be done by mail or telephone. It is common for many criminals to state that they are based abroad.
We have listed cases that consumers have complained about particularly frequently.
Triangular fraud
On second-hand online platforms like Vinted, fraudsters steal your money and your data. How does the "Zalando scam" work and how can you defend yourself?
Dark Patterns
Dark Patterns: Many websites, apps, social media, search engines use technical ways to make us click, buy, subscribe and reveal personal data. How do you recognise these manipulation techniques and how can you avoid them? The European Consumer Centre…
Online trade fraud: False helpers
Online trading: Supposed regulators, arbitrators and lawyers give investors hope of getting their lost money back. Beware! Only more losses are threatening.
Phone sex trap
In dubious letters and text messages, consumers are asked to pay for alleged telephone sex. The senders are supposedly companies from the Czech Republic.
Credit fraud
Fraudsters lure people on social media with loans at low interest rates. Those who take up the offer have to pay a fee in advance via Western Union. Then you don't hear anything more from the crooks and the money is gone.
Investment fraud with dubious trading platforms
Dubious trading providers lure their customers into a trap with dubious investment products and high profit promises. The highly speculative investments usually end with a total financial loss for the victims.
Tips against subscription traps on the internet
It can happen that dubious companies lure you into a subscription trap on the internet. We give current examples and explain how those affected can defend themselves against demands for payment.
Dubious streaming portals
Numerous consumers are being lured into subscription traps with a nasty rip-off scam. We explain the tricks of the scammers and show how you can protect yourself from the rip-off.
Subscription Trap: Aliaz Cooperation
We receive numerous complaints regarding the "Aliaz Cooperation SIA" that operates several online shops. Free samples are advertised in social media. However, consumers are caught in a subscription trap.
Debt collection fraud
Criminals first lure you into a subscription trap and then use dubious debt collection agencies and reminders to build up massive pressure and collect money. You should not ignore debt collection letters, but always check their seriousness.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.