Overview

• Scammers are distributing two-page letters claiming to be from the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern that demand €350.11 for alleged late-filing interest on 2023 returns.
• The fake documents feature official-style reference numbers and QR codes but include inconsistent dates, omit personal Steuer-IDs and direct payments to a Spanish IBAN.
• Tobias Gerauer of Lohnsteuerhilfe Bayern stresses that genuine tax offices never require payment within two days and always provide a legal remedy instruction with a one-month response period.
• Key warning signs are unpersonalised greetings, illogical time stamps and sender addresses that do not correspond to local Finanzamt details.
• Taxpayers are advised to scrutinise any unexpected notices, report suspicious letters to authorities and confirm authenticity with their local Finanzamt.