There is currently an increase in cases of fixed-term deposit fraud involving fraudulent websites using the Raisin logo. The domains raisin-festgeld.com and raisin-finance.eu are particularly affected. These sites present themselves as partners or subsidiaries of the well-known platform. Raisin (World Savings) However, this does not correspond to reality.
The perpetrators use deceptively realistic websites, documents, and emails to gain trust. Investors are urged to transfer large sums of money to foreign accounts, usually under the pretense of attractive interest rates and bonus offers.
Method of the fraudsters
The fraudulent providers imitate the design, correspondence, and processes of legitimate financial portals. They often send out official-looking application forms requesting copies of identity documents and bank details. After the supposed "account opening," they then demand payment of the investment amount via bank transfer – often to an account at well-known European banks such as Barclays, Revolut, or Santander.
In many cases, the account does exist, but it does not belong to Raisin or any institution affiliated with Raisin. After the transfer, contact usually disappears completely, and the invested money is lost. This is a professionally organized fixed-deposit fraud disguised through identity theft and forged communication.
Protection through IBAN name matching
Since October 9, 2025, all banks have been required to verify, before processing a transfer, that the recipient's name matches the name associated with the IBAN. This so-called IBAN name check is designed to prevent funds from being transferred to the wrong accounts. Consumers now receive the result of this check before authorizing a payment and can decide for themselves whether to proceed with the transaction.
This measure makes fraud more difficult, but it does not replace your own vigilance. The following still applies: Thoroughly vetting the provider is the best protection against dubious fixed-term deposit offers and fraudulent intermediaries. Anyone who wants to invest their money safely should always check whether the advertised fixed-term deposit is actually offered through a licensed bank.
Unsolicited advertising and identity theft
It is striking that many victims were initially made aware of the fake offers via social networks such as WhatsApp, Instagram, or online comparison portals. Such targeted customer outreach is illegal without authorization from the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). Furthermore, this constitutes a clear case of identity theft, as the name, logo, and address of a well-known platform are being misused.
Recommendations for action for those affected
Anyone who has fallen victim to such an investment scam should act immediately. The faster the reaction, the higher the chance of stopping or reversing payments.
- Stop payment immediately
If the transfer has not yet been finalized, a transfer recall should be initiated immediately with your bank. - Secure evidence
All emails, chat histories, screenshots, and bank statements should be saved. These documents are crucial for potential investigations and chargeback attempts. - Banks provide information
Both the bank where the recipient bank is located and the recipient bank (e.g., Barclays, Santander, Revolut) should be informed in writing about the suspected fraud. - File a criminal complaint
A report of fraud and identity theft should be filed with the police or public prosecutor's office. The documents can also be submitted to BaFin and the Federal Criminal Police Office.
Bank liability as a possible option
Even though the perpetrators often operate from abroad, banks can be held liable under certain circumstances. Payments to suspicious or unusual accounts trigger due diligence obligations under the Money Laundering Act (GwG). If these obligations are not adequately fulfilled, banks or payment service providers can be held liable.
Legal claims may arise in particular from:
- § 675u BGB (unauthorized payment transactions)
- § 812 BGB (unjust enrichment)
- Section 43 GwG (Suspicious activity reports in money laundering cases)
This will result in [something]. Affected individuals should have these options examined in order to obtain possible refunds or goodwill solutions.
Repatriation possible even after weeks
In documented cases, it has already been possible to partially recover transferred funds – even several weeks after payment. This was usually due to banks neglecting their internal audit obligations or failing to issue warnings.
Repatriation is possible via:
- SWIFT recalls
- Recalls of incomplete SEPA payments
- internal money laundering control mechanisms
The sooner action is taken after a fraud, the greater the chances of partially recovering the invested funds.
Prevention: How to recognize fake fixed deposit offers
To protect themselves from investment fraud, investors should be especially vigilant. Even small clues can indicate that an offer is dubious or fraudulent.
Always pay attention to the exact internet address (domain). Even minimal deviations – for example, on pages like... raisin-festgeld.com – can be a warning sign. Furthermore, do not open links from emails or chat messages; always type the web address directly into your browser's address bar.
Exercise particular caution with unusually high interest rates or promised welcome bonuses. Such offers often serve as bait to build trust. Also, check whether the provider is actually registered on the website of the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).
Avoid communicating via messenger services like WhatsApp or Telegram. Reputable banks and financial service providers do not use these channels for processing investments.
Conclusion
The current investment fraud involving fake Raisin websites demonstrates how sophisticated modern fraud schemes have become. Investors should be especially vigilant if they are promised exceptionally high interest rates or bonus payments online.
Anyone who has already transferred money should act immediately, secure evidence, and contact their banks. Even if a full recovery is often difficult, quick action and legal steps can significantly limit the damage.
