“Biggest Fraud” in Munich Shopping Centers? The Dream of a Lucky Find May Be Illusory
For a fixed price, supposedly unopened return packages are offered – with the tantalizing prospect of finding an expensive smartphone or a designer handbag. This is the promise of so-called mystery vending machines in several Munich shopping centers. However, a storm of criticism has erupted online, with one Reddit user bluntly calling it “the fraud of the year.” Even the Bavarian Interior Ministry is now looking into the phenomenon.
- Mystery vending machines in Munich shopping centers sell supposedly unopened return packages at a fixed price.
- On Reddit and according to a ZDF report, many doubt the seriousness of the business model.
- The Bavarian Interior Ministry is examining whether it constitutes gambling.
Mystery Vending Machines in Munich: Wholesalers and Users Issue Stern Warnings
A user on the platform Reddit sought experiences with a mystery vending machine located at Schwanthalerhöhe. The most upvoted response was unequivocal: “You can bet that the contents of the packages have been scanned to ensure they don’t contain anything dangerous. So if there was anything valuable inside, the vending machine operators would have already snatched it.” A wholesaler also explained to ZDFheute why the packages cannot remain unopened: “That’s impossible for legal reasons alone. There could be dangerous items inside.”
According to a ZDFheute investigation from October 2025, a whole system lies behind the business: In some cases, fake returns with forged labels are sold to the vending machine operators and then passed on to customers. A residual stock dealer gave a devastating verdict to the broadcaster: “This is a way for retailers to get rid of their junk and even get paid for it.”
Bavarian Interior Ministry: Are Mystery Vending Machines Gambling?
Upon inquiry from our editorial team, the Bavarian Interior Ministry, as the highest gambling authority, assessed the phenomenon. “A uniform state opinion regarding a possible gambling characteristic of mystery vending machines has not yet been formed,” it stated. While the characteristics of remuneration and randomness are present, the chance of winning is not clear – as customers always receive an item. However, if its objective value is below the purchase price, “this indicates a gambling characteristic of the individual mystery vending machine,” according to the Ministry.
Regarding child and youth protection, action would only be required if there was an official classification as gambling. Concerning possible illegal items in the boxes, the authority pointed out that the marketing of weapons or narcotics is generally prohibited and punishable by law.
Mystery vending machines – they stand in several Munich shopping centers and promise a big stroke of luck. But is the deal fair?
Our Questions Remain Unanswered:
- What measures are being taken to ensure the transparency of the contents of these mystery boxes?
- How will the Bavarian Interior Ministry proceed with its investigation into the gambling aspect of these machines?
- What protections are in place for consumers who feel they have been defrauded by these machines?
- Will there be regulatory changes to address the ethical concerns raised by users and experts?
The investigation continues as authorities and consumers seek clarity on the legitimacy of these increasingly popular, yet controversial, vending machines.
