Have you invested in shares, funds, real estate or companies and subsequently discover that you have become a victim of investment fraud? In such a case, you should consult a legal expert as soon as possible. Because now, the question arises whether you will ever see the money you invested again and how you can take action against the person(s) responsible.
The German law firm Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte has comprehensive expertise in the field of German business criminal law as well as investment and capital market law. Our lawyers ensure that all evidence of investment fraud is promptly secured and that all formalities required for a criminal complaint are appropriately complied with. We represent you in so-called adhesion proceedings to assert your claims for damages.
For persons who have been confronted with the accusation of investment fraud, we offer competent and committed defence. With excellent expertise and years of experience, our legal team is ready to provide you with comprehensive advice and defence. Our lawyers ensure that you strengthen your position during the investigation process and that your rights as an accused person are always protected.
Investment fraud under German law
Investment fraud is a special form of fraud and regulated as such in Section 264a of the German Criminal Code (StGB). Accordingly, a person who makes incorrect advantageous statements to a larger circle of persons or conceals disadvantageous facts that significantly influence the decision to acquire investments on the capital market or to increase already invested deposits is liable to prosecution. Capital investments such as securities and company shares are covered, which the offender must offer publicly (in prospectuses, presentations or overviews). This special form of fraud is punishable by a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine.
If you suspect that you have become a victim of investment fraud, you should contact a legal expert as soon as possible and file a complaint. Quick action is usually crucial in such situations to remedy/repay for the damage that has been done. It may still be possible to reverse a transfer that has been made, or it may still be possible to obtain a refund through your credit card protection and the closure of bank accounts. We also advise you to keep all documents related to the fraud.
Our team will help you track down the perpetrators of investment fraud. Our German lawyers will work with the authorities to freeze your bank accounts, secure your assets and recover your investments where possible. We advise clients worldwide and take cross-border action when necessary. We represent you both in and out of court.
How to Prevent Investment Fraud
Investment fraud can be challenging to identify. To prevent this from happening in the first place, you should take appropriate preventive measures. Particular attention should be paid to the following warning signs:
- Very high returns promised: When faced with investments where the investor is promised very high returns, particularly those based abroad, caution is strongly advised. Allow investment experts to analyse what is on offer and to assess whether it is from a credible source. Similarly, getting further advice before accepting an investment where the agent involved is higher than the standard commission rate is best practice. Allow our investment experts to advise you by examining objectively what is on offer.
- Risk level not described: Investing carries risk. A certain level of risk is involved in making investments, and it is a dangerous sign when the investment agent is unwilling to discuss the level of risk involved. Make sure you have the complete picture of what is involved with the investment before taking action.
- Investment based abroad: In the event of fraud, investments made in Germany are more straightforward when pursuing them in court. It is challenging to track foreign investments, and it often takes longer and can be more complicated. However, this should not be seen as a deterrent for pursuing major frauds that have occurred in an investment made abroad.
- Refusal to meet in person: Investments where the supposed investment agent refuses to meet in person carry additional risks. This is especially concerning where the alleged agent has made the first contact. Once again, it is strongly advised not to commit to the investment until an outside advisor has examined what has been offered. Objective advice from experienced professionals will ensure that you take the actions suitable to your current situation.
It is often not worth the trouble to make quick decisions when it comes to investments. Work alongside reputable agents and research in advance. If you are unsure of an investment, it is essential to allow a German investment fraud lawyer to take a second look at what is on offer. Making the right choices from the start reduces the risk of investment fraud from occurring.
With the increasing acceptance of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a means of payment and the further development of technology and innovations worldwide, the number of fraud cases targeting these currencies is also increasing. Our team of investment and capital markets lawyers stay abreast of these developments and advise our clients on suspected fraudulent activity. Contact our German lawyers directly for legal assistance if you are concerned about cryptocurrency fraud. After a thorough analysis by experienced lawyers, you can invest in cryptocurrencies more safely.
Hackers often target digital wallets. Such hacks can cause enormous damage. Phishing is also a popular means of obtaining important data and committing fraud. Our lawyers will comprehensively advise you on the measures you must take in such situations.
Fraud cases on the foreign exchange market (Forex) are also not absent. While forex trading often involves risk, you should never accept losing your investment due to fraud. If you have reason to believe that your Forex broker or any other party involved has acted fraudulently, please get in touch with our legal team directly for expert advice. Our team will work to recover any investments lost due to fraud and take all necessary legal action to protect your rights effectively.
For more information, please visit our article “OneCoin Scam – German Lawyers representing Fraud Victims”.
Real estate, finance and other forms of investment fraud
Real estate can be a valuable investment. However, it is another market that is open to fraudulent activity. Misrepresentations about key features of the property, hidden defects and significant omissions can lead investors to purchase a property based on misconceptions. Similarly, purchasers can mislead sellers by buying property under false representations or even with stolen personal information.
By hiring our German real estate attorneys to perform the necessary due diligence, you can prevent your real estate investment from becoming a victim of fraud.
The German law firm Schlun & Elseven offers comprehensive advice on investment law – especially when investing in cars, gold and other assets. As part of our services, we ensure that our clients do not become involved in fraudulent activities and advise them on high-risk transactions. If you are planning a significant investment and are looking for reliable advice from experienced professionals, contact our firm directly.
Schlun & Elseven: Legal support in cases of suspected investment fraud
If you are accused of investment fraud and need legal assistance, do not hesitate to contact our law firm directly. Unjustified accusations of fraudulent activity usually cause great anxiety among those affected, not least because of the threat of reputational damage. Before contacting our lawyers, it is advisable to gather all the essential documents and facts about the case and prepare them for our lawyers.
Our team will analyse your case and represent you in and out of court, ensuring the best possible defence. As experienced criminal defence lawyers, we are known in the applicable procedural rules and how to conduct a case best. Entrust our specialised investment fraud legal team with your case by contacting us using the contact details below.
Practice Group: German Business Criminal Law
Practice Group:
German Business Criminal Law
Contact our Lawyers for German Investment and Criminal Law
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