Fraud cases on eBay, PayPal and Co.: Internet fraud - when does a lawyer for Internet law help?

Whether identity theft, phishing emails or fraudulent fake stores: around 300,00 cases of cybercrime were recorded in Germany in 2019. Find out here how those affected can defend themselves, which contact points offer help and when a lawyer should be called in.

What is Internet fraud?

The Internet offers various opportunities to defraud users. But when exactly does Internet fraud occur? Basically, when criminals gain an unlawful financial advantage by deliberately deceiving people and thus obtaining money without receiving anything in return. Typical forms of internet fraud are

Fraud through phishing

It has probably happened to you before: You check your emails and find an email from a person or company asking you to click on a link in the email - e.g. to confirm your identity or your account details. Behind this link may be a fake website where you enter the relevant data. However, they do not end up with the supposed person or company, but directly with the fraudster. They use it to create false accounts for ordering goods or opening accounts.

Fraud through fake online stores

In so-called fake online stores, consumers are deceived in two ways. First, they order a specific product and pay for it, for example via PayPal. During payment, they are redirected to a fake website. The account details entered there are sent directly to the fraudster. The fraudster can then make orders or transfers that were never commissioned by the original account holder.nullThe Internet user never receives the ordered goods. However, you should be aware that delivery delays can occur with Internet orders. A delayed delivery is therefore not always an indication of Internet fraud.

Fraud through subscription traps

When surfing the web, you may end up on pages where particularly cheap offers are available. When you fill out the associated application or registration form, you take out a subscription - without realizing that you will incur costs. The result: you promptly receive invoices and reminders asking you to pay.

How to protect yourself from online fraud

The following tips will help you to surf the web safely:

• Always use a secure password consisting of at least 10 characters and a combination of numbers and letters.
• Never click on false links that seem suspicious to you.
• Look out for spelling mistakes in the text of a website or email. These are often an indication of dubious sellers or internet fraudsters.
• Protect your computer with a firewall and an anti-virus program.

Consumer protection or the police - who helps victims of internet fraud?

As a victim of online fraud, you should report it. A consumer protection organization will give you tips on how you can assert your claim. In a few cases, they will help you to exchange addresses and file class actions - for example, if several victims are jointly affected.nullHowever, only the police are responsible for prosecuting offenders. As soon as you report a fraud, the authorities begin to investigate the perpetrator(s). The perpetrator(s) can only be punished on the basis of a police investigation.nullIf it is not important to you that the perpetrator is punished, you do not need to contact consumer protection. However, it makes sense to do so, as it informs other Internet users about cases of fraud on the Internet.

In which cases should you hire a fraud lawyer?

In these cases, you should contact a lawyer for Internet law:

You are accused of fraud

If you are accused of fraud on the internet, you need expert advice. Without a lawyer, you may already make mistakes during the first interrogation. A legal advisor will provide you with comprehensive advice on the best course of action and help you to achieve the lowest possible sentence.

You are a victim of internet fraud

If you have been the victim of internet fraud, you should definitely hire legal representation. This is especially true in the following cases:

• Missing deliveries of goods of great value
• Identity theft
• Unauthorized account debits

These forms of fraud can have far-reaching consequences for you and should definitely be pursued with the help of a lawyer. Otherwise, you could face legal proceedings and negative entries with Schufa and other credit agencies.

How does a lawyer help victims of internet fraud?

The sooner you file a complaint and hire a lawyer, the better your chances of getting your money back after a scam. For example, a lawyer will check whether an effective contract has actually been concluded between you and the internet fraudster.nullTip: You can find out whether an internet contract is valid and which critical clauses it contains in our contract review.nullPlease note that you are generally entitled to a right of withdrawal for contracts concluded on the Internet. The deadline for exercising this right is two weeks. If the deadline has expired or the fraudster refuses to accept your withdrawal, a lawyer will help you to enforce your claims. For example, by contesting the contract or proving that it is invalid.nullIn addition, a lawyer will assist you with possible repayment and compensation claims. They will take care of communication with the other party and represent you and your interests in court in the event of a lawsuit.

The most important facts in brief

• Be suspicious of conspicuously cheap offers on eBay and the like.
• Critically check links in e-mails and on homepages. These could redirect you to the wrong websites. Typing errors in e-mails or on websites indicate dubious sellers.
• If you fall victim to fraud, seek advice from a competent law firm. A lawyer for internet law will check the legal validity of the contracts you have concluded and will represent you in court in the event of a lawsuit.
• Inform a consumer protection organization about the Internet fraud and report it to the police.

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