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Stand:updated on 08.04.2025 | Topic Consumer protection Recognising investment fraud

Has an unfamiliar caller phoned offering you the opportunity to buy securities? Have you obtained a particularly enticing investment tip via social media? Does an investment promise significant returns with no risk at all? Countless dishonest and fraudulent offerors can be found on the financial market. This article describes how fraudsters operate and how you can protect yourself from them.

Recog­nis­ing fraud­sters

Investors enjoy a wide range of options when investing their money – and both reputable providers and scammers are vying for their attention. There are number of warning signs that indicate that an offeror or product might not be what it seems. You can find out more about these warning signs here.

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Be­ware of fraud­u­lent term de­posit of­fers

Consumers seeking term deposit accounts with good conditions will find a wide range of offers. However, not all of them are legitimate. In quite a number of cases, the money you transfer will end up in a fraudster’s account..

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Pre-IPO shares: BaFin warns against du­bi­ous of­fers

If unknown people contact consumers without being asked to offer shares in well-known companies for sale before their IPO, caution is advised.

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In­vest­ment tips on so­cial me­dia: cau­tion is paramount

BaFin has some recommendations for investors regarding the use of social media – and explains when alarm bells should ring.

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Cau­tion with fraud­u­lent trad­ing plat­forms

Potential investors are frequently contacted by phone or email by fraudulent online trading platforms promising quick money and unusually high profits. These offers originate from criminals whose sole aim is to steal investors’ money.

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