Jena / Ostthüringen, 05.03.2026 – The Polizei Ostthüringen is currently warning of criminal financial transactions on the internet following a massive case of fraud. In a newly reported case of investment fraud, the financial damage amounts to over 100,000 Euro.
- Offense: Aggravated investment fraud (cyber-trading)
- Amount of damage: Over 100,000 Euro
- Investigating authority: Polizei Ostthüringen
- Date of report: 04.03.2026
Investigations into the perpetrators are ongoing
A report from the Polizei Ostthüringen on Wednesday once again highlights the drastic financial consequences of investment fraud. Unknown perpetrators managed to seize a sum of more than 100,000 Euro through false promises and professional deception. The authorities initially provided no detailed information regarding the exact circumstances of the crime, the victim’s place of residence, or the specific online platform used. This is common in ongoing cybercrime investigations to avoid jeopardizing the success of the search.
Guide: How to protect yourself from investment fraud
Cases of so-called cyber-trading fraud are increasing nationwide. The perpetrators act highly professionally and often lure victims through advertisements on social networks or fake newspaper articles featuring celebrities. After a small initial investment, which seemingly yields high profits quickly on manipulated platforms, victims are pressured into making increasingly larger deposits. Often, the funds flow into alleged cryptocurrencies or into difficult-to-trace foreign accounts.
The police and consumer protection advocates urgently advise:
- Be extremely suspicious of offers that promise high returns completely without risk. What sounds too good to be true is usually a scam.
- Thoroughly check brokers and trading platforms in advance. Use the official company database of the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin).
- Never grant strangers access to your computer or smartphone via remote maintenance software (e.g., AnyDesk or TeamViewer).
- Do not transfer money to unknown accounts abroad and never let alleged brokers put you under time pressure.
If you have become a victim of such fraud, file a report immediately with the competent police and inform your house bank immediately to potentially stop transfers that have already been made.
Source:
Over 100,000 Euro lost in investment fraud
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.