© iStock / Lebazele
The BMF is warning against fraudulent emails concerning registration in the Transparency Register. The emails in question call on citizens to register in the Transparency Register for a fee. In fact, however, entries in the Transparency Register are free of charge.
Fraudsters are currently sending emails under the name "Organisation Transparenzregister e.V." in which recipients are informed of the obligation to notify the Transparency Register pursuant to §§ 18 ff. of the Money Laundering Act and threatened with fines if they fail to register. The emails create the impression that recipients must register for a fee on the website www.TransparenzregisterDeutschland.de.
The BMF expressly warns against responding to such or similar emails, registering on the above-mentioned website, or making any payments.
The official website of the Transparency Register within the meaning of the Money Laundering Act is www.transparenzregister.de. The Transparency Register is operated by Bundesanzeiger Verlag GmbH as an entrusted entity. Supervision of the Transparency Register lies with the Federal Office of Administration. Entries in the Transparency Register are free of charge.
Source: BMF online dated 21 January 2020 (ImA)
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Is registration in the Transparency Register subject to a fee?
No, entries in the Transparency Register are free of charge. Emails demanding a paid registration do not originate from the official authority and should be regarded as fraud attempts.
What is the official website of the Transparenzregister?
The official website of the Transparenzregister (transparency register) under the German Anti-Money Laundering Act is www.transparenzregister.de. It is operated by Bundesanzeiger Verlag GmbH as an entrusted body, with supervision provided by the Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt).
How can you identify fraudulent emails relating to the Transparenzregister (German Transparency Register)?
Fraudulent emails appear, among others, under the name 'Organisation Transparenzregister e.V.' and refer to websites such as www.TransparenzregisterDeutschland.de. They threaten fines and demand a fee-based registration – both claims are incorrect.
How should you respond to a suspicious email regarding the transparency register?
The BMF advises not to respond to such emails, not to register on the websites referenced, and not to make any payments. When in doubt, the notification obligation should be fulfilled exclusively via the official website www.transparenzregister.de.
What is the legal basis for the reporting obligation to the Transparency Register?
The reporting obligation arises from sections 18 et seq. of the German Anti-Money Laundering Act (Geldwäschegesetz, GwG). It concerns information on beneficial owners and must be fulfilled, free of charge, vis-à-vis the official Transparency Register.