Thanks to the Internet, not every administrative procedure has to be completed on site these days. But this also attracts criminals. The consumer advice center is currently warning of fraud in alleged housing benefit applications.
The Internet has made many everyday things easier and has also made one or two visits to the authorities obsolete. But not every website that claims to handle official business is actually reputable.
This also applies, for example, to the website online-wohngeld.de, which the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBV) is currently warning about. The provider behind the site has already received a warning, and depending on the reaction to this, there could also be an injunction.
Housing benefit scam – beware of this website
“Apply for housing benefit online now,” at least that’s what it says on the website online-wohngeld.de. Of course, that initially sounds as if you could apply for housing benefit here.
However, it is not immediately clear that consumers will receive an invoice after submitting the application. They are supposed to pay 29.99 euros for the “service”, even though their application is not forwarded to the responsible authority at all.
According to the VZBV, instead of going to the responsible housing benefit office, the applications end up at the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction (BMWSB). Thousands of applications have now been received by post, even though the ministry is not responsible for approving housing benefit at all.
Consumer advice center warns website operators
According to the website, consumers can submit “informal, timely initial applications” for housing benefit here. According to the VZBV, this is not the case.
The price of 29.99 euros is also not noticeable “at normal screen resolution”. This is also not located near the “order for a fee” button.
That is why the VZBV has now warned SSS-Software Special Service GmbH, which is behind the website and the alleged service, because of insufficient information. Now it depends on how the website operator behaves. Depending on the situation, the VZBV may also consider an injunction.
The VZBV is also currently examining a class action lawsuit so that those affected can get their money back. If the VZBV opens this class action lawsuit, affected consumers can take part.
The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations also advises those affected to immediately apply for housing benefit at the responsible housing benefit office in the respective municipality. This is “absolutely” necessary because, if approved, housing benefit is paid out from the month in which the application is made.
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Source: https://www.basicthinking.de/blog/2024/10/04/betrug-wohngeld/
