DistantNews
Support us
German consumer inquiries on fraud surge 50% in 2025
🇩🇪 Germany /Crime & Justice

German consumer inquiries on fraud surge 50% in 2025

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Consumer inquiries regarding online fraud and imposed contracts in Hesse, Germany, rose by approximately 50% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
  • The Consumer Center of Hesse reported a total of around 93,500 contacts in 2025, a 4% increase from 2024.
  • Online fraud is identified as a significant problem for consumers, prompting the increased demand for the center's services.

The Consumer Center of Hesse experienced a significant surge in inquiries and complaints related to online crime and fraud in 2025, with a 50% increase compared to the previous year. This rise in reported issues highlights the growing problem of internet-based scams affecting consumers in the region.

Overall, the center assisted approximately 93,500 individuals in 2025, marking a 4% increase in contact volume from 2024. The disproportionate growth in concerns about "imposed contracts and online crime and fraud" indicates a specific escalation in these types of consumer issues.

It is noticeable that the topics 'imposed contracts and crime and fraud on the internet' have increased disproportionately.

— Philipp WendtPhilipp Wendt, a board member of the Consumer Center Hesse, commented on the rise in specific types of consumer complaints.

Philipp Wendt, a board member of the Consumer Center Hesse, emphasized that online fraud is a "huge problem for consumers." The data suggests a growing need for consumer protection and awareness regarding digital threats and deceptive practices.

From our point of view, the problem of fraud on the internet is a huge problem for consumers.

— Philipp WendtPhilipp Wendt, a board member of the Consumer Center Hesse, described the severity of online fraud.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog