Only 6 out of 10 consumers report payment fraud
Payment fraud is often not reported in Germany. While nine out of ten respondents who have never been affected by payment fraud say they would contact the police if they were to experience fraud, only 60 percent of those actually affected have filed a report after losing money online. This is the result of a representative survey on Visa payment security, for which the opinion research institute forsa surveyed over 1,000 consumers online1. Overall, one in five (18%) has already fallen victim to payment fraud.
"Reporting payment fraud is just as important for combating fraud as reporting it to the bank," emphasises Tobias Czekalla, Head of Germany at Visa. "New variants of phishing and fake payment requests are constantly circulating." Four out of five respondents (82%) report that they have been exposed to an increasing number of fraud attempts via the internet in the past twelve months. "We are also observing an increase in fraud attempts," says Tobias Czekalla. "Nevertheless, we have managed to further reduce the fraud rate for Visa payments in recent years. This protects consumers." Consumers' confidence in their own ability to detect fraud has remained unchanged compared to the previous year. 59 percent say they find it relatively easy to recognise a fraudulent email or website.
Phishing remains a popular scam
Phishing remains the most common scam. Four out of five (79%) respondents have already received fake messages from supposed delivery services, 67 percent from supposed banks. 42 percent have experienced the "grandparent scam" or shock messages, and 37 percent from fake shops. Newer forms include fraud with fake financial and cryptocurrency offers. Almost two in ten (18%) have already encountered an attempt at investment fraud, and more than half (54%) have heard of it. One in two (58%) has also heard of "squishing," a scam using fake QR codes. This involves covering QR codes on parking meters or sending letters or emails with fake QR codes. Around one in ten (8%) has experienced this.
More than half feel well informed by their bank
Almost everyone (92%) expects to be informed by their bank about payment security and current fraud schemes. This expectation is highest among those over 60 (97%). Regular updates on types of fraud (60%) and advice on how to deal with suspicious account activity or debits (58%) are particularly in demand. 54 percent currently feel well informed by their bank.
Security is more important to the majority than convenience
Security remains the most important factor for respondents when making payments. The importance of this aspect increases with age. While 41 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds value security, the figure is 71 percent for those over 60.
With the increasing use of mobile payments in recent years, the sense of security is also increasing: One in two people now considers paying with a smartphone or wearable to be secure (50%). In 2023, this figure was 37 percent. Year-on-year, respondents are more skeptical about paying by QR code, as used in supermarket apps, for example: Only 37 percent consider this method secure. This is three percentage points less than the previous year.
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Case studies, comparisons, statistics, research, and recommendations are provided "AS IS," for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as business, promotional, legal, technical, tax, financial, or other advice. Visa Inc. makes no warranty or representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the information in the study, nor assumes any liability or responsibility that may arise from reliance on such information. The information contained herein is not intended as investment or legal advice, and readers are advised to seek the advice of a competent professional if such advice is necessary.
1 In collaboration with the opinion research institute forsa, Visa conducted a representative online survey of around 1,000 consumers in Germany aged 18 and over on the topic of security in May 2025. All information in this press release is derived from the study, unless otherwise indicated.
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