New scam involving the tax office, customs or bailiffs
There are currently cases of attempted fraud in the Müllheim/Südbaden area in which the perpetrators prefer to come to the front door of senior citizens and pretend to be employees of the tax office, customs or bailiffs and claim to be collecting taxes for the tax office.
Occasionally, they also give various other reasons, for example that the tax office is currently overloaded due to the property tax reform and that enforcement officers from customs or bailiffs are providing enforcement assistance for the tax office. Or another reason is given, such as the taxation of a life insurance policy that was terminated a long time ago. The collection of motor vehicle tax due is also given.
There is a high tax debt that has to be paid immediately and in cash. The amounts mentioned are in the region of several thousand euros. Alternatively, you could also hand over valuables.
The tax office and customs authorities warn against this type of scam. In some cases, forged documents such as official ID cards or enforcement letters are presented or even false customs uniforms are worn.
If customs or tax debts are enforced, these measures are always preceded by written requests for payment, reminders and enforcement notices.
In cases of doubt or suspicion, please contact your local tax office, the main customs office or the local police station. The emergency number 110 can be called in such cases.