In recent weeks, two platforms have attracted attention on the internet that supposedly offer safe fixed-term deposit investments: festgeldratgeber(.)de and perfektsparen(.)de.
At first glance, the websites appear professional and trustworthy – they advertise solid interest rates and make references to well-known financial institutions.
In reality, no licensed financial institution is behind these offers. Rather, current findings suggest that this is a case of identity theft and the unauthorized offering of banking services.
Deceptively realistic online offers
Consumers are increasingly confronted with fake investment portals.
These sites use the names of real companies or deceptively similar internet addresses to build trust.
In the case of festgeldratgeber(.)de and perfektsparen(.)de, the name of Alpha Star Consult GmbH from Zurich was apparently misused to create the impression of a reputable partnership.
However, the operators of these pages do not have authorization to offer financial services or banking transactions in Germany.
Those who invest money there do so outside the regulated financial market – and therefore without legal protection through deposit insurance or supervision.
Why these cases are so dangerous
1. The appearance of seriousness
The websites are often elaborately designed, use familiar terms such as "fixed-term deposit" or "overnight deposit" and refer to well-known bank names.
This is precisely what makes them seem credible – and that is exactly what makes them dangerous.
2. Misuse of real company data
When real company identities are misused, many potential customers do not realize that they are dealing with fraudsters.
The combination of a real name and a fake platform is a common method to mislead investors.
3. No legal protection
Anyone who transfers money to unauthorized providers has no claim to deposit protection.
Claims for damages are also difficult to enforce, as those responsible often operate abroad or use false identities.
How to recognize dubious financial offers
Several characteristics indicate that an offer is not legitimate:
- Unusually high interest rates: Returns significantly above market levels are a classic warning signal.
- Lack of transparency: No complete legal notice, unclear contact persons, or registered office abroad.
- Pressure build-up: Prompts such as "Available today only" or "Limited spaces" are designed to encourage quick decisions.
- Unclear bank account details: Payments to private accounts or foreign IBANs without a verifiable connection.
- No proof of a permit: Only authorized banks and financial service providers are allowed to offer such products.
Therefore, before making any investment, it should be checked whether the provider has a Authorisation in accordance with Section 32 of the German Banking Act (KWG) has.
This can be done via the Company register of the financial supervisory authority research.
What you should do if you are affected
If you have already responded to one of these offers or transferred money, quick action is crucial:
- Stop the transfer:
Contact your bank immediately and check if a chargeback is possible. - Secure evidence:
Save all emails, contracts, payment receipts and website screenshots. - To file charges:
File a criminal complaint on suspicion of fraud and identity theft. - Protect your account and identity:
Monitor your account activity and protect your personal data from further misuse. - Seek legal advice:
A legal review can help clarify potential claims and limit damages.
Legal classification
Offering financial or banking services without the required license constitutes a violation of Section 32 of the German Banking Act (KWG).
Affected investors are not at fault in such cases, but are often legally unprotected.
In certain situations, intermediaries or payment service providers may be held liable – for example, if they acted with gross negligence or ignored warnings.
An individual legal review is essential here to determine whether claims exist. Repayment or compensation consist.
Conclusion
The case of the websites festgeldratgeber(.)de and perfektsparen(.)de shows how professionally fraudulent internet offers are now designed.
Behind reputable designs and attractive interest rates, there are often unauthorized providers who operate with false identities and deliberately deceive consumers.
Anyone investing money should never rely solely on outward appearances, but should first check the legal authorization and reliability of a provider.
Our law firm will gladly assist you if you:
- Having doubts about the legitimacy of a financial offer,
- have already transferred money to a questionable provider or
- wish to consider legal steps to limit the damage.
