Do not do this mistake in Germany! 11 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Germany that will cost you a lot of money, especially as a Newcomers

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Do not do this mistake in Germany! Foreign students in Germany are sometimes targeted by scammers, particularly due to unfamiliarity with local laws and customs. To avoid falling victim to fraud, here are crucial mistakes to avoid by international students:

1 – Rental Scams

Don’t rent an apartment or room from someone you haven’t met in person, especially if they claim to be abroad. Don’t pay any rent or deposits before you have received the keys or at least have physically seen the property, signed a rental agreement, and perhaps consulted with a trusted friend or advisor. Many students have been deceived into paying for nonexistent or falsely advertised accommodations. The European Consumer Center Germany estimates that tens of thousands of people in Germany are affected by rental scam. For instance, only in Berlin, the police registered more than 1,400 rental scams in one year. Again, do not do this mistake! This type of scam can cost you thousands of euros reported cases were around 5,000 – 7,000€.

2 – Phishing Attacks

Don’t disclose personal or account information over the phone. Scammers may pose as police or bank officials or being from the migration office, but remember, legitimate police or banks do not call to ask for sensitive data. German residences are often targeted by such phishing calls. In 2021, 793,622 cases of telephone fraud were reported in Germany. This was 808,074 in 2020 and 832,966 in 2019. They are mainly coming from outside Germany.

Again, do not do this mistake! This type of scam can cost you hundreds to thousands of euros.

3 – Upfront Payments for Services

Don’t pay in advance for services. In Germany, it’s customary to pay for services within 14-30 days after receiving them, not beforehand. This includes offers for scholarships, financial aid, job opportunities, and visa or residency applications. Scammers often disappear after receiving upfront payments. In the year 2022, about 134,000 cases of service fraud were reported in Germany.

Again, do not do this mistake! This type of scam can cost you hundreds of euros.

4 – Downloading Copyright-Protected Content

Don’t download copyright-protected content, as this can lead to hefty fines ranging. The risk of getting caught varies depending on the type and amount of content downloaded. For instance, torrent files and movies are highly monitored and likely to result in fines, whereas content from social media platforms tends to be less scrutinized. Nonetheless, it’s important to respect copyright laws to avoid legal troubles.

Again, do not do this mistake! Depending on the type of content, this type of fines can cost you normally  about 800 – 5,000 euros. Source: DW and Süddeutsche Zeitung

5 – Telephone Contracts

Don’t make contracts over the phone, particularly as a newcomer. Salespeople may use complex language and overwhelming information to coerce you into agreements that are not in your best interest. This might be a serious contract, but it might be very expensive or includes hidden costs that you need to pay later. This is hard to clear on phone.

Again, do not do this mistake! Depending on the type of contract this type of scam can cost you hundreds of euros.

If you have an extremely great offer that you would like to accept on phone and/or no other way else to do it, then please ask for a written copy of the offer per post before accepting it or in worst case at least as confirmation afterwards. Then you will have the opportunity to check it and you always have the right to cancel such kind of contracts within at least 14 days.

6 – Overusing “Ja” as response token on Calls

In conversations with salespeople, refrain from frequently saying “Ja” (yes) as response token, this can be interpreted as formal acceptance of terms. Inadvertently, you might agree to a contract or deal without fully understanding the implications. Scammers often exploit this tendency by using complex language to manipulate the situation. Instead, practice using non-committal responses like ” Uh-huh”, ” Mm-hmm”, or something similar to avoid inadvertently agreeing to unfavorable terms.

Again, do not do this mistake! Depending on the type of contract this type of scam can cost you hundreds of euros.

Also here you always have the right to cancel such kind of contracts within at least 14 days.

7 – Not Respecting the “Ruhezeit”:

Don’t make noise during the Ruhezeit. In Germany, “Ruhezeit” refers to designated quiet times when noise is restricted.

Typically, Ruhezeit is observed on weekdays from 10 PM to 7 AM, and all day on Sundays and public holidays. Failing to observe these quiet hours can lead to complaints from neighbors and potential fines. It’s important to avoid loud activities such as playing music loudly, drilling, or hosting large gatherings during these times to maintain good relations with your neighbors and comply with local regulations.

Again, do not do this mistake! This type of fines can cost you up to 5,000€ for violating the night quiet times, and up to 50,000€ for using very loud devices on Sunday and public holidays. Source: NDR.

8 – Not Sorting Waste According to Local Regulations

In Germany, waste separation is taken very seriously to support recycling and waste management. Familiarize yourself with the local sorting system, which typically includes bins for paper, plastics, organics, and general waste. Properly separating your trash not only adheres to environmental regulations but also contributes to the community’s sustainability efforts.

Again, do not do this mistake! This type of fines can cost 50 – 2500€ and the fine increases for repeat offenders. Soruce: anwaltssuche.

9 – Long-Term and Unnecessary Contracts, do not do this mistake

Be cautious about entering into long-term agreements, especially for services you may not need indefinitely. These can include gym memberships, internet services, or utility contracts. Before signing, carefully assess the terms, duration, and cancellation policies to ensure they align with your needs and avoid getting locked into financial commitments that are difficult to terminate.

10 – Using Public Transportation without Valid Ticket

In Germany, it’s essential to have a valid ticket when using public transportation. Fare evasion can lead to substantial fines and even legal consequences. Tickets should be purchased and validated (if required) before boarding. Automated checks and spot checks by transit officials are common, so always ensure your ticket is valid for your entire journey to avoid penalties.

Again, do not do this mistake! This type of fines can cost you 60€ or double cost of the train ticket in Deutsche Bahn. Source: bussgeldkatalog

11 – Not Obeying the Traffic Rules

In Germany, adhering to traffic regulations is crucial for safety and to avoid penalties. Do not cross streets when pedestrian signals are red, and refrain from cycling in pedestrian zones or other areas where biking is prohibited. Respecting these rules helps prevent accidents and ensures a harmonious coexistence with other road users.

Do not do this mistake, this type of fines can cost you 5 – 10 € each time. Source: bussgeldkatalog

More tipps and advices for: New in Germany, study and work in Germany, Living in Germany

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