Police warn: Fake letters deceive local court
Anyone who currently finds a letter in their letterbox with the sender "Amtsgericht" (local court) should take a close look - and not pay too hastily. In Rhineland-Palatinate, but also nationwide, the police are currently warning of a new wave of fraud targeting company founders.
At first glance, the scam looks legitimate: an official-looking letter, supposedly from the local court, requests quick payment of an invoice. However, there are no courts behind it, but clever criminals who rely on pressure, panic and ignorance.
How the scam works - and who is particularly affected
New company founders are currently the main target of fraudsters. The reason: anyone who is just registering a business or having a company entered in the commercial register is expecting mail from the authorities anyway - and is therefore particularly susceptible to fraudulent letters.
At first glance, the fake invoices look deceptively genuine. However, they arrive before the official letters, rely on extremely short payment deadlines (usually only 3-5 days) and demand that money be transferred to foreign accounts. Many recipients pay reflexively - for fear of getting into legal trouble otherwise.
Recognize false court mail: The most important warning signs
According to the Rhineland-Palatinate State Office of Criminal Investigation, there are clear signs by which forged letters can be recognized:
- Lack of official letterhead: Genuine court mail always contains clear sender details with contact person and telephone number.
- Short payment deadline: Local courts never set a deadline of just a few days - the legal minimum is 14 days.
- Foreign IBANs: German authorities require payments to be made exclusively to German bank accounts.
- Vague formulations: The letter often lacks specific file numbers or references to known processes.
- No contact option: If you can't find a callback number or e-mail address, you should immediately be suspicious.
The following also applies to digital invoices: Local courts only communicate via official e-mail addresses with a gov or justice ending. Anything else is suspicious.
How to react correctly when the "letter from the court" arrives
- Do not pay until there is clarity. If in doubt, contact the local court directly - telephone numbers are easy to find online.
- Do not pass on any personal data - neither by telephone nor by e-mail.
- Report attempted fraud: Anyone who receives a forged letter should report it to the police immediately.
- Sensitize your environment, especially business partners or other founders in your network.
Authorities sound the alarm: number of cases rising rapidly
The scam is not an isolated operation - on the contrary: according to the police, the perpetrators are constantly developing their methods. Particularly perfidious is the link to real existing processes, such as commercial register entries or new tax numbers, in order to feign authenticity.
The State Office of Criminal Investigation warns: "The number of cases is growing continuously, many are not even reported because those affected only realize the mistake late or not at all - or are ashamed.
Check official mail with a healthy dose of mistrust
Fraud with alleged court mail is not only annoying, but potentially expensive - especially for people who already have a lot on their plate. Anyone setting up a company should familiarize themselves with the real procedures for official and register entries right from the start.
