Where to report fake shop fraud
Most German states accept online shopping fraud via their online police station, but not all. The map shows for each state whether that works and what the station is called. We checked every entry on the official page.
Online police stations on the map
- 14 Online report for online shopping fraud possible
- 2 Only partly or depending on the canton
- 2 No online form for it; report at a local police station
Online police stations compared
“Online shopping fraud” means a form for fraud against buyers on the internet. Where there is none, you file the report at a police station. The page for your state has the details and the source.
11 states on the joint portal
All of these states use portal.onlinewache.polizei.de. You report online shopping fraud in the “fraud” section without logging in (BundID is optional). A click leads to the state page.
7 states and countries with their own or a different route
| State | Official body | Report online shopping fraud online | ID required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayern | Anzeigeerstattung Online der Bayerischen Polizei | Only online auction fraud, no form for fake shops | Not relevant for fake shops |
| Berlin | Internetwache Polizei Berlin | Yes, via the Internetwache | Not stated |
| Bremen | Onlinewache Bremen und Bremerhaven | No, only theft, criminal damage, online hate | No, BundID optional |
| Nordrhein-Westfalen | Internetwache Polizei NRW | Yes, own form for internet fraud | Not stated |
| Sachsen-Anhalt | E-Revier der Polizei Sachsen-Anhalt | Yes, via the E-Revier | Give your name, otherwise no status updates |
| Austria | Polizeiinspektion vor Ort; Meldung bei Watchlist Internet | No, report in person to the police | Yes, photo ID in person |
| Switzerland | Suisse ePolice; Kantonspolizei | Depending on canton, via Suisse ePolice | Depends on canton |
Sources · checked on 2 October 2026
Which state is responsible?
The joint portal of the state police forces goes by the place where the incident happened. If that place is abroad, on the internet or unknown, you choose the state of your home address.
With a fake shop the crime scene is almost always unknown, so you choose your own state. The report is forwarded internally if another body is responsible.
Prepare your report
The forms ask for your personal details, the course of events and details of the other party. You upload evidence as files at the end. With this list and the template you can finish in one go.
- Your personal details: first name, surname, address, date of birth, contact details.
- What you know about the other party: shop address, company name from the imprint, email, phone number, recipient IBAN.
- The course of events with dates: order, payment, contact with the shop, contact with your bank.
- Evidence as files: screenshots, PDF of the shop pages, order confirmation, proof of payment, email thread.
- What your bank or payment provider has said so far, with dates.
On [date] I ordered [goods] for [amount] euros from the online shop [shop address]. The order number is [number]. On [date] I paid by [payment method]. Recipient according to the receipt: [name], IBAN [IBAN]. The goods have not arrived to date. The shop did not respond to my message of [date]. The shop’s imprint names as operator: [details from the imprint]. On [date] I requested a [recall / refund / buyer protection] from my bank or payment provider. I am uploading as evidence: order confirmation, proof of payment, screenshots of the shop, message history.
Replace the square brackets. Write only what you know and mark assumptions as such.
Police, reporting body, advice: who does what
- PoliceTakes the criminal complaint and investigates. The reference number helps you with your bank and payment provider.
- Consumer advice centreAdvises you on your rights and next steps. Not a criminal complaint.
- Bank or payment providerThe only route to getting money back. That is where deadlines run.Go to: Bank or payment provider
- Report to usReviewed, and once approved it can warn others. Does not replace a police report.Go to: Report to us
Frequently asked questions
Can I report a fake shop online in every German state?
No. On the check date, Bavaria and Bremen offer no form for online shopping fraud in their online station. Bavaria only accepts online auction fraud online. There you go to a police station.
Do I need to identify myself for the online report?
Not in the joint state portal. The forms work without logging in; BundID is optional. The police may still contact you later or ask you to an interview.
Which state do I choose?
The state where the incident happened. If that place is abroad, on the internet or unknown, as is usual with fake shops, choose the state of your home address.
Does a notification to Watchlist Internet or to us replace a police report?
No. Reporting bodies warn others and collect cases. You only file a criminal complaint with the police or public prosecutor.