Increased complaints surface concerning internet services
In the digital age, consumer advocates and federal authorities are sounding the alarm about a growing issue - dubious online services. According to the head of the federal association, Ramona Pop, these unserious or fraudulent offers are a significant concern, leading to costly consequences, uncertainty, and a loss of trust among the public.
Recent statistics reveal a worrying trend. In the first half of 2025, more than 2,900 complaints about dubious internet service offers were recorded, nearly three times as many as in the previous year. These complaints often involve service providers advertising online for services such as forwarding orders, certificates of good conduct, or other official documents.
Unfortunately, these unscrupulous providers sometimes fail to deliver any service for the money paid. Consumer advocates are taking legal action against such practices, as demonstrated by a lawsuit against a website offering online forms for contacting the contribution service of public broadcasting for 39.99 euros, a service that is available for free.
The federal association is also seeking transparency regarding the aforementioned website's operations.
Common examples of these fraudulent services include scams involving deepfake content, phishing, fake or misleading online offers, and fraudulent platforms exploiting stolen credentials. Consumers often fall victim to scams using AI-manipulated media such as deepfakes, which can be used for impersonations or false claims.
To protect themselves from online fraud, consumers are advised to be cautious about unsolicited online offers and to verify the legitimacy of websites and services before engaging or providing personal data. They should also avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown or untrusted sources to prevent phishing attacks.
Staying informed about emerging threats like AI-generated deepfakes and learning how to spot manipulated media is crucial. Using strong, unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication can guard against account takeovers resulting from credential misuse.
In addition, using security tools such as up-to-date antivirus software and browser security extensions can provide an extra layer of protection. Consumers are also advised to check for official communication from companies directly rather than trusting unsolicited messages.
Educational programs and cyber awareness courses, like those run in Berlin, empower consumers by explaining risks and mitigation strategies in user-friendly ways. However, technical measures such as tracking and watermarking AI-generated content are still developing and are not yet fully reliable.
In summary, protecting oneself from online fraud relies on vigilance, strong security hygiene, and ongoing education about evolving cyber threats. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for consumers to stay informed and proactive in safeguarding their personal information and financial resources.
- With the rise of technology in the digital age, the issue of fraudulent online business practices, such as deepfake content and phishing, has become a significant concern in finance, leading to high costs, uncertainty, and a loss of public trust.
- As more people transact online, it is crucial for consumers to be aware of these threats and to take necessary precautions, including verifying the legitimacy of business services, using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and staying informed about emerging AI-generated deepfake technologies, in order to protect their personal information and financial resources.
