11th July 2025

Beware of Phishing SMS from the “Tax Office” and Fraudulent Calls

We are currently seeing an increase in fraudulent calls from alleged bank employees, which are usually preceded by a phishing text message or email in the name of the “Tax Office”. So be vigilant and don't trust anonymous callers - no matter how professional they sound on the phone.

Criminals are currently sending fake text messages or emails in the name of the “Tax Office”. The messages announce a “repayment from the tax office” and ask you to enter personal details such as your name, date of birth, telephone number, address and IBAN. A link is also sent which - you guessed it - leads to a phishing site controlled by the fraudsters.

Once you have entered your details on this (fake) page, an (anonymous) call from an alleged bank employee will follow shortly afterwards, claiming that 

“suspicious transactions” have taken place on your account. As with previous scams, it is claimed that these transactions must now be “cancelled” by you via George ID authorisations.

What is actually happening

• These calls are not from us! In fact, you are talking to fraudsters who have obtained your personal data via a phishing site.

• In fact, your authorisations are not needed to “cancel suspicious transactions”, but to effectively carry out outgoing transactions.

How to protect yourself

• Be suspicious of unexpected emails, text messages and phone calls - especially when it comes to money matters.

• Do not give out any data on unknown websites or over the phone.

• Hang up immediately if you receive a suspicious call. To be on the safe side, call us in the usual way!

• Please note: We do not require any authorisation to “cancel” or “recover” payments.

• Always check your authorisations carefully - and only authorise what you have started yourself.