Suspected Fraud Attempt with Fake .DE Deutsche Domain Invoice

Currently, there is an increase in information about fraud attempts involving a fake domain invoice sent via email by a provider named .DE Deutsche Domain. Recipients are individuals who own an existing .de domain and are being asked by the mentioned provider to pay over 180 euros.

At first glance, the document looks like a regular invoice. Alongside contact details of the company .DE Deutsche Domain, other usual information such as invoice number, contact person, date, bank details, etc., can be found on the invoice. However, upon closer inspection, there are certain criteria that should raise suspicions. Firstly, the complete address and name of the invoice recipient are missing, and secondly, at the bottom of the document, there is a peculiar text intentionally written in the smallest font size. This text clarifies that the document is not actually an invoice for the .de domain but an offer to additionally register a .eu or .info domain alongside the existing domain name.

The contact details listed on the alleged invoice for the company .DE Deutsche Domain are unreachable. The phone number appears to be non-existent, and the PO Box address is also incorrect. Furthermore, the mentioned bank details should raise red flags. They are provided in the new IBAN / BIC format, making it indistinguishable at first glance from a German bank account. However, the recipient account is actually in Spain, indicated by the letters ES at the beginning of the IBAN number. At this point, all alarm bells should ring, indicating that something is amiss with the alleged invoice.

Conclusion: Never pay any invoices if you are unsure of the sender's legitimacy. In case of doubt, always check your own records first to see if there are any contracts, etc., with the mentioned company, and if so, inquire with the relevant contact using the existing contact details.