Fraudsters are increasingly trying to persuade gullible victims to pay alleged debts with fake debt collection or reminder letters. This scam has increased in recent years and poses a serious threat. In this article, you will learn how these scammers operate and how you can protect yourself from these online scammers.

The actions of the fraudsters

Fake reminder letters often look deceptively real and contain alleged demands from debt collection agencies or law firms. The scammers pose as legitimate institutions and often use official logos and letterheads. The letters usually contain information such as customer number, file number and payment deadlines to give the impression of urgency and seriousness.

Example of one of the countless fake debt collection notices
Example of one of the countless fake debt collection notices

Debt collection claims can be checked free of charge using the consumer advice center's debt collection check at www.inkasso-check.de

The claims mainly relate to allegedly unpaid invoices, online purchases or services. The fraudsters hope that the recipients of the reminder letters will not check the claims carefully and will pay prematurely for fear of further consequences.

How you can protect yourself from debt collection scams


  1. Check invoices and claims: If you receive a reminder letter, you should first check whether the claim is legitimate. Check whether you actually have an outstanding invoice or whether it is a claim that has already been paid. Look out for discrepancies, such as incorrect address or contact details.
  2. Check sender: Pay attention to which sender the letter comes from. Reputable debt collection agencies and law firms mostly have their own website with legal notice and contact details. Compare this information with that in the demand letter.
  3. Don't pay too quickly: Don't let yourself be put under pressure and don't pay too early. Reputable creditors are usually willing to clarify the matter and grant you an extension of time.
  4. Contact the alleged creditor: If you have any doubts about the authenticity of the letter, contact the alleged creditor by phone or email. Ask for the details of the claim and have them confirmed in writing.
  5. Inform the police: If you are sure that it is a fake reminder letter, you should report it to the police. This will help you stop the scammers and warn other potential victims.

Conclusion: Fake reminder letters from fraudsters have been a threat for years. To protect yourself from these online crooks, you should check reminder letters carefully. Don't let seemingly urgent demands put you under pressure and don't pay too quickly. By contacting the alleged creditor and clarifying your doubts, you can protect yourself from fraudulent claims. If you come across a fake demand letter, it is important to inform the police to hold the fraudsters accountable and warn other potential victims.

Related to the topic: How to deal with debt collection letters correctly


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