More and more consumers are falling victim to fraudulent brokers who claim to offer attractive Fixed-term deposit offers Deceptively authentic-looking application forms are offered on professionally designed websites or by seemingly reputable consulting firms. Those who transfer their money believe they are receiving a secure Investment at a renowned bank to make a transfer – but in reality, the money ends up in criminals' accounts. After the transfer, contact is usually immediately broken off.
Fraud with alleged fixed-term deposit offers
In view of the increased interest rates, many people want to switch from safe Investments benefit. Fixed deposits and Call money are considered to be solid investments with manageable risk. It is precisely this desire that fraudsters exploit by claiming to be experts in brokering Fixed deposits They operate elaborately designed Web portals or appear as apparent Financial advisor which are particularly good Fixed-term deposit conditions offer.
The sites seem reputable, the interest rates seem to be lower compared to offers from real Banks attractive, but not unrealistic, giving the impression that it is a credible Fixed deposit offer. After contacting us, interested parties often receive documents that resemble the forms of real Banks look deceptively similar. Sometimes they are even redirected to fake online portals that look like the website of a partner bank.
After the alleged application, customers are asked to transfer the investment amount to an account with a foreign IBAN. The account actually exists, but is registered in the name of the fraudsters. The money is lost after the transfer. In some cases, fake account statements are sent to feign credibility. After this, at the very latest, all contact is lost. Emails remain unanswered, online access no longer works, and refunds are never made.
Protection through IBAN name matching
Since October 9, 2025 are all Banks obliged to check before a transfer whether the specified recipient name matches the name stored in the IBAN. This so-called IBAN name comparison is intended to prevent funds from flowing into the wrong accounts. Consumers now receive the results of this check before a payment is approved and can decide for themselves whether to proceed with the transaction.
This measure makes fraud more difficult, but it is no substitute for your own caution. As always, a thorough review of the provider is the best protection against dubious Fixed deposit offers and fraudulent brokers. Anyone who wants to invest their money safely should always check whether the advertised Fixed-term deposit investment actually have an approved bank running.
How to recognize fraudulent providers
Serious Fixed-term deposit providers and intermediaries have a license from the BaFin. Anyone who is not listed in the financial supervisory authority’s company list is not allowed to Investments If such an entry is missing, you should refrain from investing. You should be especially cautious if the business address is located abroad or if the imprint is incomplete or obviously false. Even elaborate websites with logos, seals, or awards are no guarantee of trustworthiness – they can easily be faked.
Another warning sign is when the alleged bank no thorough identification is required. Credit institutions always check the identity of their customers before making a Investment If this step is missing, suspicion is warranted.
Anyone looking for safe and reputable Fixed deposit offers should turn to well-known comparison portals such as Stiftung Warentest or established banks. These regularly publish current interest rate overviews and offer reliable guidance for safe Fixed-term deposits.
If you have already transferred money
If you have already transferred money to an account that later turns out to be fraudulent, you must act immediately. Contact your bank, to check whether the transfer can still be stopped. Also, file a police report and save all documents, emails, and messages related to the alleged Fixed-term deposit investment In many cases, the Consumer Advice Center or a lawyer can help you review the next steps and clarify whether a valid contract has even been concluded.
Conclusion: Safety comes before returns
Fixed deposits remains a popular and generally safe form of Investment, if they have a real bank or a licensed broker. However, criminals exploit the trust placed in this form of investment to obtain their victims' money using professional forgeries.
Therefore, do not rely on supposedly good Fixed-term deposit offers, but inform yourself thoroughly about the bank, the broker and the actual interest rates on the market. If a Investment sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Vigilance and information are the best protection against fraudulent Fixed-term deposit brokers.
