1. How widespread is online fraud?

Internet fraud affects millions of people in Germany and is a widespread everyday risk. One in four people has already been a victim of online fraud—and the trend is on the rise. Cases of fraud involving fake online stores and fake profiles are particularly common, but scamming and phishing are also widespread. At the same time, there is a knowledge gap when it comes to online security. While many consumers describe their online behavior as cautious, only a small proportion actively seeks out information about data breaches or current scams. The majority learns about fraud more by chance or only after they have been affected themselves.

2. What kind of damage does Internet fraud cause?

Internet fraud often leads to financial losses that can have significant consequences for those affected. The latest SCHUFA consumer survey shows that in 60 percent of fraud cases, financial losses occur that can amount to thousands of euros. In addition to financial loss, the theft of sensitive data is a major concern. Many victims lose personal information, confidential login credentials, or financial data. This information can be misused, increasing the risk of further fraud or identity theft.

3. Why is SCHUFA involved in this?

SCHUFA supports consumers and businesses with a variety of fraud prevention solutions. In addition to the new score, we offer IdentSafe Basis, a free tool that allows users to check whether their personal data has been published on the Internet, the dark web, or the deep web in the past 90 days. For example, during the SCHUFA Protection Weeks, we run a campaign to raise awareness about online fraud and identity theft. Identity protection is everyone’s concern. According to SCHUFA surveys, 26 percent of people in Germany have been victims of fraud at least once. More than half have suffered financial losses—in some cases in the five-figure range. Our surveys also show that awareness of internet fraud is out of proportion to the risks it poses. That’s why we want to educate people about types of fraud, scams, protective measures, and sources of assistance.

4. What identity protection solutions does SCHUFA offer?

With its identity protection services, SCHUFA helps consumers keep a closer eye on their personal data and detect potential signs of identity theft early on. The free IdentSafe Basic and SCHUFA IdentSafe, which offers expanded protection features, are available for this purpose. SCHUFA IdentSafe is also included in the SCHUFA plus package, which offers additional services such as the SCHUFA UpdateService, as well as access to one’s own SCHUFA data and SCHUFA Score.

5. What is the difference between SCHUFA IdentSafe Basic and SCHUFA IdentSafe?

With the free IdentSafe Basic, consumers can have their personal data checked for potential data matches on the Internet, the Deep Web, and the Dark Web. The results are displayed in the SCHUFA account, and the check can be repeated at any time. SCHUFA IdentSafe also offers automatic 24/7 data monitoring, sends email alerts for suspicious data matches, and provides support to affected individuals in emergencies via the SCHUFA SOS hotline.