Classic advance payment fraud over the phone! Be careful of calls that involve a “Bertelsmann and friends” competition. Here you don't win, you lose.

The most important thing about the “Bertelsmann and friends” trap in brief:

  • Fraudsters call and announce a win
  • One should make a payment for fees
  • Money is gone, there is no profit

We are not dealing with a new invention here, but rather a typical advance fee fraud (scam) in which the term “Bertelsmann” is simply used as bait. Any other name can also appear here.

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In an advance fee fraud, a basis of trust should always be built. The name of the Gütersloh media group is supposed to carry out this task, but it must be made clear: Bertelsmann has no connection with this method!

The aim is to create the impression that a serious competition is taking place here. If the victim then accepts the prize, the offer turns out to be a demand. Fees would soon become due or other liabilities would arise, which the victim would have to pay in advance. 99.9% of such competitions are this type of advance fee fraud. Advance fee fraud doesn't just take place over the phone, but often also via social media.

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“Bertelsmann and friends”: The police warn!

In addition to the well-known telephone scams, the fraud phenomenon “Bertelsmann and Friends competition trick” has recently become more and more common. An alleged notary, who calls on behalf of the company Bertelsmann and friends, informs by telephone about a supposedly large monetary win, but demands advance payment for any fees incurred.

However, there is no winning and in the end the money is gone! The police expressly warn against handing over money - whether in cash, as a transfer or in the form of voucher cards - to unknown people or callers if they contact you about the topic of “Bertelsmann and friends”!

Do not give out any personal information over the phone! If you hear a call that seems suspicious, inform the police immediately! If you have become a victim of fraud, contact the police and report it!

This might also be of interest:

Advance fee fraud: When someone stranger wants to give you money...

See also police press report


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