Fraud Scheme Involving IBAN: How to Protect Yourself

There has been a recent increase in reports of a fraud scheme where attackers make unauthorized withdrawals of 99 euros. These fraudsters only need the IBAN of their victims to withdraw money from their accounts. Individuals who frequently shop online or participate in sweepstakes are particularly at risk, as they often disclose their account details. The method used by these fraudsters is similar to that of a dubious company that made headlines in December 2025. At that time, unauthorized withdrawals of 89.90 euros were made by the company "Megatipp Emergency Call Services."

The current fraudsters operate under the names "Lunero EOOD" or "Lenoxal Limited EOOD" and appear to be shell companies from Bulgaria. Withdrawals often occur through websites that do not match the names of the companies making the withdrawals. This is intended to prevent victims from noticing the unauthorized transactions immediately. The fraudsters rely on the relatively low amount of 99 euros not being immediately detected, allowing them to siphon off significant sums across thousands of accounts. Experts recommend regularly checking bank statements.

Unknown company names or unexpected withdrawals should be questioned immediately. Even small amounts can indicate fraudulent activities. If fraud is suspected, the bank should be informed immediately to initiate a reversal. A reversal of an authorized direct debit is possible within eight weeks if the payment was indeed initiated. For unauthorized withdrawals, the money can even be reclaimed up to 13 months after the transaction.

This provides victims with a certain level of protection should unauthorized withdrawals occur. Additionally, consumers should be cautious about whom they share their IBAN with. The risks of disclosing account information are significant, especially in times when phishing attempts are on the rise. Consumer protection agencies warn about the dangers associated with sharing IBANs and recommend only trusting reputable sources with this information. The fraud scheme has intensified in recent weeks, as evidenced by numerous reports from affected individuals.

The police and consumer advocates advise being vigilant and reporting suspicious activities immediately. Raising awareness about such fraud attempts is crucial to prevent further victims. Security authorities have already taken initial measures to identify and track down the fraudsters. Investigations are focusing on the masterminds behind the shell companies involved in the withdrawals. Authorities are working closely with international partners to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Consumers should also be aware of their rights. In cases of unauthorized withdrawals, they have the right to reclaim their money. Banks are obligated to assist in proven fraud cases and support reversals. This is especially true when withdrawals have occurred without the account holder's consent.

The current situation highlights the necessity of being aware of one's finances and the security of account data. Consumers should regularly inform themselves about current fraud schemes to better protect themselves. Education on such topics is an important step in ensuring one's financial security. In recent weeks, the police have received over 500 reports of unauthorized withdrawals, underscoring the urgency of the issue.