June 11, 2026, 8:52 am | Read time: 2 minutes
The Federal Ministry of Finance is currently warning about a new scam being spread through letters. At first glance, the letters appear official and put pressure on recipients. They demand a payment of several hundred euros, supposedly to lift a bank account freeze. Anyone receiving such a letter should not comply with the demand.
Fake Letter Appears Deceptively Real
The current warning centers on a letter titled “Formal Notice of Final Statutory Tax Clearance Requirement and Reinstatement Assurance.” The letter is written in an official style and bears the logo of the Federal Ministry of Finance, creating the impression that the demand comes from a government agency.
However, it is a forgery. According to the Federal Ministry of Finance, the perpetrators aim to persuade recipients to pay 550 euros, allegedly to lift a bank account freeze. The ministry clarifies that these letters do not originate from them.
Other Fraud Attempts Circulating
In addition to the fake letters, the ministry points to other current fraud attempts. These include promotional messages in which Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil allegedly recommends investment opportunities. According to the ministry, these are also scams.
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Letters related to trading activities, in which citizens are asked to make payments to the federal treasury, are also fake. Additionally, emails purportedly from the Federal Central Tax Office are circulating, announcing late fees, processing fees, or cost notices. According to the ministry, these messages are not genuine either.
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How Affected Individuals Should React
Anyone receiving such a letter should not provide personal data or bank information. Payments should also not be made. The ministry also advises against responding to the senders’ demands.
If there are doubts about the authenticity of a matter, it should be verified through the ministry’s official contact channels. Anyone who has already shared data should immediately inform their bank. Acting quickly can help limit potential damage.
What Authorities Do Not Do, According to Police
The police point out that authorities and institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Central Bank, or the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) do not charge fees from citizens. Tax collections can only be carried out by tax offices.
Furthermore, according to the police, these entities do not send unsolicited SMS, WhatsApp messages, or emails. Official letters are usually delivered by mail.