Last year, a woman from Erkelenz decided to invest a five-figure sum of money with a Spanish bank via a brokerage firm for a period of one year. When she wanted to withdraw her money at the end of this period, the company could no longer be contacted. The woman from Erkelenz then reported the matter to the police.
Increasing digitalization makes it easy to increase your money with just a few clicks on the Internet. Time and again, you come across providers of seemingly particularly lucrative investment opportunities. However, many of these offers are backed by criminals whose aim is to get hold of investors' money.
What can you do to protect yourself?
- Be suspicious of offers that promise a secure investment, a guaranteed return, high profits and a very low risk.
- Before you actually invest money, always seek independent advice, e.g. from consumer advice centers.
- Always check offers to see whether an imprint is provided. Who is your potential contractual partner and where is he based?
- Reject unsolicited calls in connection with investment offers. Do not agree to consultations with strangers.
- You should also be careful with offers of help. Have you been the victim of fraud and someone promises to help you get your money back? Do not take up this offer.
- Contact the police if you have been the victim of fraud and report it to the police.
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