Scammers deliberately target people who are new to Germany, who don't speak much German yet or who need money quickly. Falling for a fake ad doesn't just cost money – at worst you can unknowingly become part of a crime. These are the scams to know.
The most common scams
Parcel agent (Paketagent, Warenagent)
You're offered money to receive parcels at home and forward them to another address, often abroad. The goods were usually bought with stolen bank or identity details. Because the delivery address is yours, investigators come to you first.
Financial agent (Finanzagent)
Money arrives in your account, you keep a "commission" and transfer the rest. That's money laundering, a crime in Germany – and "I didn't know" often doesn't help.
Video-Ident fraud ("app tester")
A supposed company hires you to "test" banking or payment apps and asks you to verify your identity by Video-Ident. In reality, a bank account is opened in your name and used for fraud.
Task jobs on WhatsApp and Telegram
"Like videos, write reviews, earn €200 a day." A few small payouts build trust, then you're asked to pay in money yourself for "bigger tasks". You'll never see it again.
Agencies asking for money up front
"Visa, work permit and a guaranteed job in Germany – only €1,500." In Germany, private job placement may only charge job seekers under strict rules: only after a successful placement and only up to a cap. Be very careful with "agencies" that want payment in advance.
Warning signs
- No interview, but an immediate job offer.
- An unusually high salary for little work.
- Contact only via WhatsApp or Telegram, often from foreign numbers.
- No real address, legal notice (Impressum) or phone number; emails come from free email addresses.
- A copy of your ID, your bank details or Video-Ident is requested before any contract.
- You're asked to pay: for training, work clothes, a visa or a "deposit".
- Time pressure: "If you don't decide today, the job is gone."
How to protect yourself
- Check the company: does its website have an Impressum? Is it in the commercial register (Handelsregister)? Call the company using the number on its own website, not the one in the ad.
- Never pay up front. Real employers don't charge you for hiring you.
- Share your ID carefully. If a copy is really needed, write "Kopie – nur für die Bewerbung bei Firma X" on it. You may black out the access number and the serial number of a German ID card.
- Use Video-Ident only for your own accounts – never for a job.
- Don't lend your bank account and never forward other people's money.
If you've been scammed
- Call your bank right away and block your account or card.
- Report it to the police – every German state has an online police station (Onlinewache).
- Report the ad to the platform where you found it.
- If you suspect an account was opened in your name, request your SCHUFA self-disclosure (Selbstauskunft) and dispute it with the bank.
Frequently asked questions
Can listings on the Federal Employment Agency's job board be fake too?+
Rarely, but yes. Listings on the Jobbörse are checked, but not every fake is caught straight away. If an offer seems odd, go through the warning signs above.
Is being a parcel agent really a crime?+
Receiving and forwarding goods bought with stolen details can count as aiding fraud or handling stolen goods. An offer sounding harmless doesn't automatically protect you.
Do I have to send a copy of my ID when I apply?+
Usually not. When you start work, your employer needs certain details (tax ID, social insurance number, residence permit) – that belongs after you've signed a contract and checked the company.
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