If you receive an email from a company called “Weko Media LLC” or “Digi Medien GmbH”, you should ignore it. Because the alleged company entry that it is about and that you are supposed to confirm contains hidden costs. Experts speak of address book fraud.
A particularly perfidious form of address book fraud is currently circulating in Germany, which originally comes from the USA. Many companies receive emails asking them to confirm a company entry in the form of a pre-filled business directory form.
At first it gives the impression that this is free. But there are hidden costs lurking in the small print. The German protection association against economic crime is therefore currently warning about emails about company entries – especially from the company Weko Media LLC.
Weko Media is not reputable: fraud via company entry
We also received an email from Weko Media LLC, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but it immediately made us suspicious. It says:
Attached we will send you the registration application as a PDF file for inclusion in the 2024/2025 business directory. Please check the information contained therein for accuracy. If you agree, send the signed application back to us either in response to this email or by fax to the number provided in the application.
The pre-filled form in the appendix has the innocuous heading “Company entry North Rhine-Westphalia”. However, there are also emails circulating with company entries in other German federal states. The emails all suggest that confirming or correcting address details is mandatory.
Cost trap in the small print
However, after signing, a contract with Weko Media is concluded. According to the German Protection Association against Economic Crime, those affected will then receive an invoice from KVG Kreditoren Verwaltungs-Gesellschaft AG. The payment should be made to a bank account in Switzerland.
The amount listed in the invoice amounts to a total of 1,860 euros with a contract term of two years – i.e. 930 euros per year. The protection association advises those affected to dispute the contract if they signed due to deception.
Also interesting:
- Airbnb scam: Beware of this new scam
- Is it all just fraud? The alleged eco-diesel HVO100 is just a false solution
- With AI influencer Emma: German Tourism Center embarrasses itself
- Why driving a car in Germany finally has to become expensive
The article Weko Media: Address book fraud and fraud via company entry by Fabian Peters first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As a Tech Industry expert, I am deeply concerned about the issue of address book fraud and fraud via company entry that Weko Media is engaging in. Address book fraud involves unauthorized access to individuals’ contact information, which can lead to privacy violations and potential misuse of personal data. This is a serious breach of trust and ethical standards that can have far-reaching consequences for individuals and society as a whole.
Furthermore, fraud via company entry involves misrepresentation and deception in order to gain access to sensitive business information. This not only undermines the integrity of the business ecosystem but also has the potential to harm other companies and individuals who may be affected by the fraudulent activities.
It is imperative that Weko Media and other companies engaging in such practices are held accountable for their actions. Strong regulations and enforcement measures need to be put in place to prevent and punish these types of fraudulent activities. Additionally, companies must prioritize data security and ethical practices to ensure the trust and confidence of their customers and partners.
Overall, addressing address book fraud and fraud via company entry is crucial in maintaining a safe and ethical tech industry that respects the privacy and rights of individuals and businesses. It is essential for all industry players to uphold high ethical standards and prioritize the protection of data and privacy in order to foster a trustworthy and sustainable digital ecosystem.
Credits