Fraudulent emails and fake WhatsApp messages in circulation

Once again, the tax authorities are warning of fraud attempts with alleged payment requests from the tax office, the Federal Ministry of Finance or the Federal Central Tax Office.

Fraudsters are currently sending emails or WhatsApp messages in the name of the tax office, the Federal Ministry of Finance or the Federal Central Tax Office. They claim that an outstanding amount has not yet been paid after several reminders. They threaten to have the household effects seized by the bailiff. The fraudsters demand that the allegedly outstanding amount be paid immediately by real-time bank transfer. A payment link is sent in the WhatsApp messages, which should not be opened under any circumstances. False letters requesting payment are sent as attachments by email. The tax authorities urgently warn against following the instructions.