Phishing

Account or credit card emptied by fraudsters?

The specialist law firm Dr. Greger & Collegen offers fast and competent help for victims of phishing attacks in online banking. Our goal: to recover your money and enforce your claims legally.

What is phishing?

Phishing is a fraud scheme in which criminals try to steal sensitive data such as banking credentials or credit card information. Typical methods are:

• Fake emails that look deceptively genuine
• Fraudulent banking websites
• SMS or messenger messages with links ("smishing")
• Phone calls from fake bank employees ("vishing")

Phishing is highly professional today — even experienced users can become victims.

Recognising phishing warning signs

• Unusual or incorrect sender addresses
• Urgent demands ("Act now!", "Your account will be blocked!")
• Suspicious links or file attachments
• Requests to disclose confidential data

Account emptied by phishing — what to do? Immediate measures

If you suspect that fraudsters have gained access to your account:

1. 1

   Block your account immediately – contact your bank.

2. 2

   Change passwords – from a secure device.

3. 3

   Secure evidence – emails, SMS, links, screenshots.

4. 4

   Check account statements – document all unauthorized transactions.

5. 5

   Involve a lawyer – initiate legal steps.

Legal claims against the bank

The law (§ 675u BGB) provides: in the case of unauthorized payment transactions, the bank must refund the amount without delay.

The bank may only refuse the refund if:

• the customer acted with fraudulent intent, or
• they intentionally or with gross negligence disclosed their data.

Important: In most cases where victims fell for deceptively realistic phishing pages, there is no gross negligence.

How we help phishing victims

Our firm supports you with:

• Review of the bank’s liability
• Enforcement of refund claims
• Representation in legal disputes with banks or insurers
• Advice on preventive measures against phishing

Preventive measures against phishing

• Check account statements regularly
• Use two-factor authentication
• Be cautious with unexpected messages from your bank
• Use up-to-date security software