Particle.news
Download on the App Store

German Customers Flag €99 Direct‑Debit Fraud Tied to Bulgarian Firms

The scheme exploits lax mandate checks in SEPA direct debits, pushing customers to seek chargebacks.

Overview

  • Many German account holders report unexplained €99 withdrawals labeled “Lunero EOOD” or “Lenoxal Limited EOOD,” which are registered in Bulgaria.
  • Reporters say the attackers likely used leaked IBAN and account details from data breaches or the Darknet to start the pulls.
  • Banks often let SEPA direct debits, known in Germany as Lastschrift, go through without confirming a valid mandate first.
  • Victims can ask their bank to reverse the charge within 8 weeks, or up to 13 months if the debit was unauthorized, so checking statements now is key.
  • A similar pattern surfaced in February with “Megatipp Emergency Call Services,” and the fixed €99 sum appears designed to slip past routine account checks.