Jena, April 21, 2026 – A 16-year-old youth from Jena has fallen victim to an online fraud scheme. While attempting to purchase an online gaming account, he lost a three-digit sum to an unknown perpetrator.
- Incident: Internet fraud (cybercrime)
- Time of incident: Monday, April 20, 2026
- Victim: 16-year-old from Jena
- Loss: 200 euros in the form of voucher codes
Supposed bargain turns out to be a trap
According to police reports, the youth wanted to purchase an account for a computer game on Monday to use it for social media. He contacted a provider to finalize the transaction. The seller did not request a traditional bank transfer as payment, but instead demanded voucher codes.
The 16-year-old complied with the request and sent codes with a total value of 200 euros. Immediately after the transmission, contact with the provider was broken off. The promised access to the game was never handed over. The police in Jena have initiated an investigation into fraud.
Prevention: Caution with voucher codes as a means of payment
The police regularly warn against fraud schemes in which prepaid or voucher codes (such as Steam, Amazon, Apple, or Paysafecard) are requested as the primary means of payment. These codes function like digital cash: as soon as the sequence of digits is transmitted to a third party, the balance can be redeemed worldwide and within seconds. Unlike bank transfers or direct debits, a chargeback is not possible.
The police generally advise:
- Never accept voucher codes as a means of payment for private purchases on the internet.
- Use secure payment service providers with integrated buyer protection.
- Abort transactions if the seller suddenly insists on unusual payment methods.
- In case of damage: Immediately save all chat histories and file a report with the Polizei Thüringen.
Source:
Police News Jena, 21.04.26: Fraud via online game
Transparency note: This article was automatically generated, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.