The European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net) is alerting consumers to fraudulent messages in which fraudsters pose as representatives of the network. Recently, several countries have reported incidents where fraudsters have reached out to individuals who have previously fallen victim to investment scams. These individuals falsely claim to represent ECC-Net and offer assistance in recovering lost funds, particularly in cases involving cryptocurrency or investment fraud.
In these deceptive messages, scammers have misused both the ECC-Net branding and the English-language logo of the European Consumer Centre in Finland to mislead consumers. The messages that have been reported are primarily in English and originate from email addresses that consumers often recognize as suspicious.
The fraudsters typically contact consumers via email or phone, requesting personal information. Some of these messages include fabricated deadlines and threats of losing money if the consumer does not act promptly. In certain instances, the scammers have also falsely claimed collaboration with well-known authorities, such as the European Central Bank and Interpol, to lend credibility to their claims.
ECC-Net emphasizes that the European Consumer Centres never request money from consumers, as all of our services are provided free of charge. The network does not offer any services to recover funds lost in scams.
Tips for Identifying Scam Messages:
- Fictitious Titles: The message may include titles that do not exist, such as “Chief Inspector of the European Consumer Rights Centre (ECC-Net)” or “Chief Auditor at ECC-Net.”
- Incorrect Branding: Scammers may use inaccurate names or organizational titles, such as “European Consumer Rights Centre.” The correct English designation is “European Consumer Centre.”
- Suspicious Email Addresses: The sender’s email address often does not match the name in the signature or is not an official address of any European Consumer Centre. You can verify the contact details of each centre on their official websites, as listed by the European Commission.
- Manipulated Logos: The message may feature a distorted version of the ECC-Net logo.
If You Receive a Suspicious Message or Call:
- Do not respond to the message or disclose any personal information.
- Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in the message.
- Do not provide any personal information over the phone.
- If necessary, report the incident to the police and inform the European Consumer Centre.
For More Information:
Scam: Fraudulent ‘Consumer Protection Representatives’ Impersonating ECC-Net. ECC-Net press release 2 June 2025.