Forged emails are currently being distributed in the name and with the logo of the Bundesfinanzhof. In these emails, you are sometimes addressed personally with first and last name, following the words "Good day, …", and asked to download a file. Do not follow this request under any circumstances.
The BFH also warns against this scam: warning notice from the Bundesfinanzhof.
This email is a forgery.
By the way: the forged email does not always contain the logo of the Bundesfinanzhof. You can also recognise the forgery by the faulty characters throughout the text.
Source: BFH online
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify a fraudulent email sent in the name of the Bundesfinanzhof?
The forgery often begins with the salutation 'Einen guten Tag, …' followed by the recipient's first and last name and prompts the download of a file. Faulty characters throughout the text are another red flag. The Bundesfinanzhof logo is not necessarily included, which makes identification more difficult.
What should I do if I receive an email allegedly from the Bundesfinanzhof?
Do not follow any instructions to download a file or open attachments. The Bundesfinanzhof (Federal Fiscal Court) does not send such requests by email. Delete the message and do not respond to its content.
Does the Bundesfinanzhof send requests to download files by email?
No. The BFH itself publicly warns against this fraud scheme and does not send emails asking recipients to download files. Such messages should always be classified as phishing or spam attempts.
What are the risks of opening the fake BFH email?
Downloading the attached file may install malware (e.g. trojans or ransomware) on your computer. This can lead to sensitive data being spied on or systems being encrypted. Attachments in such emails should therefore not be opened under any circumstances.