Overview
- Sparkasse’s Computer Emergency Team reports a dangerous surge across Germany, with scammers impersonating the Federal Central Tax Office and urging recipients to submit refund forms by January 31.
- Stolen logins are commonly followed by caller‑ID‑spoofed phone calls that appear to come from banks or tax offices to extract TANs or gain remote access to victims’ devices.
- Police in Hamm detail a forged bank letter that used a QR code to funnel a 59‑year‑old to a fake login page, a case in which quick action and contacting the bank prevented losses.
- The consumer group Verbraucherzentrale warns of fresh phishing emails, including a Consorsbank-themed campaign that cites a supposed legal change to pressure customers to “update” their phone numbers.
- Security advisers urge customers to avoid logging in via links or QR codes, use official apps or websites, immediately block online banking and contact the bank if data were entered, monitor accounts, and report incidents to police and the BSI.