Top scams you need to be aware | Studying in Germany

It might be your first trip to Germany or you might be staying in Germany for a couple of years, there are a quite a few scams that you need to be aware of, so that you have a pleasant stay in Germany.

Source: Google

Indian embassy

Since couple of years, I am seeing few posts every month regarding this scam in social media. The main target has been Indians who are staying in Germany and they are asked to pay a certain amount of money to Indian Govt for clearing out some mistake in their VISA. They are told to transfer the amount via Western Union, which makes it untraceable. And the pity is, there have been so many victims to this scam since it involves their visa and stay in Germany. The Indian embassy in Germany has sent out many notifications and warnings to all the Indians for numerous times, yet there are some victims who become prey to these scam.

These scammers are so intelligent that, they even tell your name, address and some more personal details to make you believe them. But, in case you get a call please do ensure the authenticity of the call and do not transfer any amount without being sure. You can even go to the embassy in Berlin and pay directly, but not via online or direct transfer. Also, if you get a call from such scammers, it is always advisable to lodge a complaint to the nearest police station and also to intimate the embassy or other official bodies.

Rental scams

You may move to a new city for an internship/thesis/new job or even you might be new to Germany and looking for a place to stay. There are so many fraudsters, who pose as landlords and try to loot you. In Germany, there is no need to pay anyone beforehand and always pay the money only after you take a look at the flat. You can also ask someone else to have a look, to make sure that the place is legit.

I have seen many fraudsters online, who show just one photo of the house and quote the rent to be very low and all inclusive. They will act as if, they are in some other country and ask you to transfer the caution deposit amount, so that you can get the keys and have a look. Generally, your passport and admit letter/appointment letter is enough to get a room/house and never pay in advance.

Part-time job scams - drop shipping
Once you are in Germany, you will definitely start looking for part-time jobs so that you can support your studies and life in Germany. There is no harm in doing a part-time job, but there are students who are desperate to get a job and fall for these scams.

Here is a detailed article - Drop shipping

The minimum wage in Germany is almost 8.50 euros per hour and every employer will provide you with a work contract. You will need to have your tax number, social insurance number, etc., for your work contract and if someone doesn’t ask for these things, then you need to think twice before you accept the offer.

Spam calls - Asking for account info

Recently, many expats are getting victimized to a new type of scam where the caller will tell you that, you had paid extra money for your monthly electricity bill and will ask for your account info so that he can transfer it back. Do not tell your account info or other details via telephone, rather you can go and visit the nearby office and do it directly.

IELTS scam

These kind of scams are not limited only to Germany, but also in India where the students are desperate to get admissions and pay a lot for the same. This scam was brought to light by one of the victim who had paid lots of money to get a IELTS certification in 7-8 band.

Here is the detailed article - IELTS scam

On the whole, when you are planning/studying/living in Germany or anywhere in the world, you need to be aware of such scams and think twice before you pay. These type of scammers can be very convincing and act as if they are trustworthy, but in the end it is your hard earned money.

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