Bremen's financial department issues a warning about fraudulent email collections
In recent times, there has been a concerning scam campaign targeting residents of Bremen and Bremerhaven. Fraudsters are impersonating the legitimate company, Universum Inkasso GmbH, based in these cities, to send fake dunning letters and payment requests.
The real Universum Inkasso GmbH is a reputable debt collection company, but scammers have taken advantage of its name to deceive recipients into paying hundreds of euros or more. It is important to note that these scams are ongoing as of July 2025.
Victims are urged not to pay any amount or give any payment authorization in response to suspicious emails or letters claiming to be from Universum Inkasso GmbH. A common sign of fraud is a payment request to an unfamiliar or foreign bank account. However, scammers have also used German bank accounts to appear legitimate.
Legitimate debt collection companies in Germany must be registered in the legal service register and typically belong to professional associations such as BDIU, which uphold codes of conduct. Fake companies usually lack such registrations or memberships. If anyone receives such a demand, they should contact Universum Inkasso GmbH directly through verified channels to confirm whether the claim is genuine and avoid any communication with the suspicious sender.
The Bremen Finance Department communicates primarily through official channels and does not send emails demanding immediate payment of taxes or debts. These scam emails may attempt to steal personal and financial information. Recipients should avoid opening attachments in these emails to protect their computer and personal information. The finance authority advises recipients to verify the authenticity of any emails claiming to be from official entities before taking any action.
Business owners in Bremen are currently receiving emails from "Universum Inkasso GmbH" claiming outstanding tax debts. Ignoring these emails is the best course of action, as they are not from the official Bremen Finance Department. The emails are fake, according to the finance department.
These scams are designed to steal personal and financial information, so it is crucial to remain vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited emails. Reporting these emails to the authorities can help prevent others from falling victim to the scam. If you have received a suspicious email, please report it to the appropriate authorities to help keep your community safe.
The ongoing scam targeting Bremen residents involves fake emails claiming to be from Universum Inkasso GmbH, soliciting payments for non-existent debts and using technology to appear legitimate. To protect themselves, business owners should verify the authenticity of any emails claiming to be from the Bremen Finance Department and refrain from providing sensitive information or making payments without confirming the legitimacy of the requests. Additionally, with increasing reliance on technology in business, it is crucial for every organization to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard their finances and customer data.
