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The Munich Police Department has successfully concluded a series of action days dedicated to the prevention of online investment fraud. The campaign, which ran from November 9 to November 13, 2026, aimed to protect citizens from significant financial losses caused by sophisticated online scams.
Combating a Growing Financial Threat
Online investment fraud has become a pervasive issue, characterized by high profit promises, fake personal investment advisors, and professionally designed websites. In the greater Munich area alone, criminal organizations operating largely from abroad managed to defraud citizens of over 50 million euros in 2025. In response, the Munich Police Department, in partnership with the association ‘Sicher in München e. V.’ and five local banks, launched this targeted awareness campaign.
Key Initiatives and Public Engagement
Throughout the week, police officers staffed information booths across the city, educating the public on common fraud patterns, warning signs, and protective measures. The initiative successfully engaged over 1,500 people. A highlight of the campaign was a lecture titled ‘Online Investment – Too Good to Be True! Recognizing and Avoiding Fraud,’ which attracted more than 300 participants both in-person and online.
To ensure long-term impact, the following measures were implemented:
- Policards: 1,000,000 information cards containing prevention tips and links to the ‘Fake-Check’ tool provided by the Bavarian Consumer Center will be distributed via bank branches and municipal mailings.
- Prevention Boxes: 40,000 tissue boxes featuring warnings about investment and call-center fraud have been produced for distribution at police stations and participating bank branches.
- Awareness Bus: A specially branded MVG bus, equipped with prevention warnings, was unveiled on November 13. It will circulate through Munich for the next six months to keep the message visible.
Expert Advice for Citizens
Police President Thomas Hampel emphasized the necessity of collective action: ‘Protecting our citizens from online investment fraud by criminal gangs can only succeed if we work together.’ The police continue to advise extreme caution regarding unrealistic return promises and pressure to make quick financial decisions. Anyone suspecting fraud or who has already suffered losses is urged to contact the police and their bank immediately.
Further information and resources, including upcoming recordings of the expert lecture, are available on the official website of the Bavarian Police.
Source: Munich Police Department
