Internet Investment Scams Surge: Police Warn of €5k-€100k Losses
Internet investment scams have surged, with victims facing damages ranging from €5,000 to over €100,000. Since 2024, over 100 such cases have been handled by Commission 3 of the District Criminal Inspectorate Lübeck. The police warn against falling for these schemes, which often involve overseas call centers and fake trading platforms like TradingView.
Fraudsters target private individuals, presenting themselves as experts and promising high returns. They approach potential investors via email, social media, and messaging services, persuading them to make initial payments, often in cryptocurrency. The money is then transferred to call centers abroad, with no actual trading taking place. Instead, victims are shown fake trading platforms to simulate high profits. Later, they are asked to pay additional fees or taxes, with no payouts made.
These scams often originate from countries like China, as indicated by the arrest of a Chinese suspect in February 2025. Other countries may also be involved, with scammers operating from overseas or obscured locations to evade legal consequences.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, the police advise against making internet investments based on recommendations from unknown brokers. Instead, investors should consult reputable local banks and providers directly. More information on online investment fraud and trading scams is available at www.polizei-beratung.de.
