Beware of fraud!

We are receiving an increasing number of notifications about fraudulent schemes using the RWE name.

Private persons are lured into investing money through manipulated advertising on fake websites, apps and platforms as well as misleading ads on social media channels or even by directly contacting them. However, this money certainly does not reach RWE, but ends up in the pockets of the fraudsters.

Please find below some information on the perpetrators’ approaches, the measures that RWE is taking to counteract this and what you can do to protect yourself and others.

What approaches do the perpetrators take?

The offenders place ads with fake user profiles on social networks, for example, or advertise finance apps via YouTube. They promote options for investing in RWE, often promising enormous profits. In many instances they use the names of RWE Board members and tempt people to click on links leading to copies of our website (www.rwe.com) that are almost undistinguishable from the original. 

In other cases private individuals are contacted directly by e-mail or phone if the perpetrators can (illegally) get hold of their contact details. Over the phone or in the e-mails – usually strewn with spelling mistakes – the perpetrators pose as RWE employees and try to convince their intended victims to transfer an “investment sum” as soon as possible. Currently, the RWE logo is also fraudulently being used for a fake app called “RWE Finance Earning”.

RWE Image
Example of a fraud complaint regarding alleged investments in RWE on Youtube

Caution is also advised with some trading platforms. www.pixpalpro.com, for example, was recently named by the operators of trading-betrug.de, a website that publishes lists of fraudulent trading platforms, in connection with a fraud scheme.

What measures does RWE take against the perpetrators?

Information on FSRU LNG terminals | RWE
Information on FSRU LNG terminals | RWE

RWE is closely collaborating with the authorities.

We always endeavour to have fake domains, e-mail domains and apps that we have discovered taken down. In addition, we collaborate closely with the relevant authorities, communicate any facts that have come to our attention in this context and file criminal charges. Unfortunately, we have had only limited success with regard to tracing back phone numbers that we have learned about. The different mobile network providers we have contacted in this context have so far refused to cooperate in any way.

How can you help to protect yourself and others from these schemes?

Be on your guard! Online fraud is rife! Get your information directly from our website (www.rwe.com) and do not click on random links. Look at the details! Ask questions! Only invest through reputable and trustworthy trading platforms.

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, you should file charges with the relevant law enforcement authorities and seek legal advice if needed. 

RWE AG

RWE Platz 1
45141 Essen
Germany
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