Attention: Fraudulent advertising offers discovered in the OSL district!

Attention: Fraudulent advertising offers discovered in the OSL district!

Recently, there have been increased attempts at fraud in Brandenburg by dubious companies that advertise to traders with false, alleged “citizen information brochures”. A particularly bold scam comes from the company Vision Graphic Media LLC, which calls various companies in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district. An alleged project to publish advertisements in a citizen information brochure is presented, which is supposedly supported by the district administration. How osl online reported, this is an overpriced and dubious offer that is strongly discouraged. The district administration itself points out that it is not involved in this project and does not offer any support.

After the first telephone contact with a company employee, a form or advertising contract is sent by email, which gives the impression that it is an official order. Such approaches are not new; Similar fraud attempts have already caused a stir in other German municipalities. The German Protection Association against Economic Crime warns against the so-called Cologne scam, in which data that has already been published is confirmed during a recorded telephone call in order to elicit a “yes”.

Similar scams in other regions

Another questionable initiative comes from the “WMI advertising agency”, which contacts businesses in Heßdorf with fax messages in order to generate alleged orders for a citizen information brochure. This also gives the impression that the community administration is responsible for this offer. How on vg-hessdorf can be read, these fax messages do not come from the administration and should be viewed entirely as fraud.

The advertising agency WMI claims to act on behalf of the local government, which causes confusion but is not true. Here too, a signed contract will lead to a paid order, the actual execution of which is questionable. The fax offers could also be offered by email, post or directly to your doorstep. Citizens are urged to be careful and not to sign blindly.

Phishing attempts in the digital world

But the dubious inquiries don't end with the citizen information brochures. Consumers also need to be wary of phishing attempts that spread via email or fake websites. Like the consumer advice center published, tricks such as fake fine notices or tax refunds have recently been increasingly used to obtain victims' personal data. It is important to maintain a healthy level of skepticism and never click on links in such messages.

In summary, both businesses and private individuals should remain vigilant to avoid falling into the clutches of these fraudsters. A thorough check of the origin of offers, be they by telephone, fax or online, is essential in order to avoid unnecessary financial losses. Stay alert and find out about current scams in your area!