Overview
- Verbraucherzentrale Sachsen has issued a public warning after identifying fraudulent emails that mimic the Bundeskriminalamt and include convincing, official-looking attachments.
- The messages accuse recipients of serious internet crimes, are often signed by a supposed "Oberstabsfeldwebel", and demand a statement plus a copy of the passport by email within 72 hours.
- The consumer group says sending ID scans hands criminals the material they need for severe identity theft and strongly advises people not to open attachments, reply, or provide personal documents.
- Verbraucherzentrale Sachsen emphasizes that no German investigative authority sends summonses or requests identity documents via unsecured email and urges recipients to delete the messages or file a police report.
- If victims comply, they can face fraud affecting bank accounts and credit, and consumer advocates warn the campaign could increase reports to police and demand for identity-theft support services.