Authorities Warn of Fake Tax Notice Scam in Germany
German states report incidents of fraudulent tax demands, urging citizens to verify authenticity and report suspicious activity.
- Fraudsters are sending fake tax notices by mail, demanding alleged income tax payments from unsuspecting recipients.
- The scam has been reported in several German states, including North Rhine-Westphalia, Niedersachsen, Baden-Württemberg, and Rheinland-Pfalz.
- Authorities advise examining tax notices for inconsistencies, such as incorrect tax office names, tax numbers, or personal information.
- Citizens are encouraged to contact their local tax office directly if they receive an unexpected tax notice and to report any fraudulent attempts to the police.
- Additional scams, such as 'Quishing,' involve fake letters with QR codes that lead to phishing websites, highlighting the need for vigilance.