Fake invoices via email are a growing problem. Scammers often use official-looking logos and wording to trick their victims. The invoices may be for products or services that were never ordered or delivered.

1. Unknown Sender
If the email comes from an unknown or suspicious address, one should be careful. Scammers often use similar but slightly different email addresses that appear legitimate at first glance.

2. Spelling and grammatical errors
Many fake emails contain spelling and grammatical errors. Professional companies usually pay attention to correct language.

3. Unusual salutation
If the email begins with a generic or unusual salutation, such as “Dear Customer” instead of your name, this could be an indication of a spoofed email.

4. Request for personal information
Phishing emails often ask for personal or financial information to be disclosed. Legitimate companies typically do not ask for such sensitive information via email.

5. Urgency
A common tactic used by scammers is to feign urgency, such as threatening fines or banning accounts if immediate action is not taken.

6. Unusual links or attachments
Suspicious links or attachments, especially if not expected, should be a red flag. Hover your mouse over the link (without clicking) to see the actual URL. Supposed invoices that are sent as an HTML document instead of the usual PDF document are also popular. If you receive an email with such an attachment, you can delete the email immediately. Because here you will also be directed to a fake website.

7. Unusual requests
If the email asks you to do something unusual, like pay an unfamiliar bill or click an unfamiliar link, be skeptical.

8. Check the company
If you are unsure whether an email is legitimate, contact the company directly using the official website or phone number, not the contact information provided in the suspicious email.

When a customer falls for a fake bill and pays, the responsibility often lies with them. Banks are usually not required to return the money because the transaction was authorized by the customer. However, there are some legal options that need to be checked on a case-by-case basis.

1. Prosecution of Fraudsters
Prosecuting perpetrators can be difficult, especially when they are based abroad. However, it is important to report the scam to the police as it can increase the chances of catching the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.

2. Consumer Protection
Some jurisdictions have consumer protection laws that could protect the consumer in certain circumstances. However, the exact rights and obligations may vary from country to country and from case to case.

3. Civil Claims
It might be possible to bring civil claims against the bank or company concerned if it can be shown that they acted negligently. However, this could be a lengthy and expensive process.

4. Privacy
If personal information was compromised through the scam, data protection laws could be relevant. Companies that do not adequately protect their customer data could be legally prosecuted.

5. Insurance Coverage
Some insurance policies may offer protection against fraud. It is worth checking your own insurance conditions and, if necessary, speaking to the insurer.

6. Legal advice
Since the legal situation is complex and depends on many factors, it is advisable to consult a lawyer in the event of fraud. A professional can assess the specific situation and indicate the best way to assert rights.

However, I warn against getting too much hope for success with the legal possibilities. Because it is not uncommon for the scammers to be based somewhere abroad and are hardly vulnerable to EU or even German law. Even tracking down the actual location of the company can become a detective work that customers then give up in exasperation.

The most important means and the best protection against fake invoices and fake shops on the Internet is and remains prevention, so that it doesn’t get that far in the first place. Take the time to check everything carefully in advance and use payment service providers with buyer protection such as PayPal.