Fraud victim? What to do if someone used your identity

Have you discovered purchases you never made or received debt collection letters for orders that are not yours? If so, you may be a fraud victim. When someone misuses your personal information to buy goods or services, it is often a case of identity theft. Acting quickly can help limit the damage, protect your accounts and resolve the situation more efficiently. This guide explains what to do if you're a fraud victim, how to recognise identity theft, how to report fraud and what steps to take if debt collection proceedings have already started.

Understanding debt collection costs: what does a procedure cost?

Getting a letter about an outstanding payment can leave you with questions—especially when additional debt collection costs appear. We understand that dealing with an unpaid bill can feel stressful. That’s why we’ve broken down the different costs involved and explained how they can be calculated. This guide gives you a clear overview of collection costs, third-party costs, and default interest, so you can better understand where the amount on your letter comes from.

Interview with BDIU board member Dr. Christian Behrens

Today we get some insights into the work of BDIU – Federal Association of German Debt Collection Agencies. Together with Dr. Christian Behrens, we take a look behind the scenes. He tells us how important this cooperation is in the debt collection industry – especially for the economy and consumer protection.

How are insolvency proceedings conducted in Germany?

If you have the impression that your outstanding debts are getting out of hand, you have the option of going through consumer insolvency proceedings in many countries around the world. The purpose of such proceedings is that, in the end, you get rid of all your debts that existed at the beginning of the proceedings. However, before we turn our attention to insolvency proceedings abroad, we will first explain in a down-to-earth manner how consumer insolvency proceedings work in Germany.

Debt counselling procedure

Are your financial obligations getting out of hand? You don't know where to start to get your finances back under control? Professional help from a debtor advisory office can help you pave the way to freedom from debt. In this article, we would like to highlight the importance of this support and show you how you can benefit from debt counselling.

More digitalisation for more trees

Digitalisation has increased rapidly in recent years and undoubtedly has the potential to improve and simplify our lives. From more efficient work processes and social interactions to innovative environmental solutions, the digital revolution is opening up numerous opportunities. At the same time, however, it brings with it challenges such as the need for increased data security or the loss of real social contacts. The focus of the Financial Guide is on the benefits of digitalisation. Of course, this also brings its challenges, and we don't want to withhold these from you.

Rethinking debt collection – digitally and with more self-determination

There is no getting round it: debt collection is not a pleasant topic. Nobody is happy when they receive a debt collection letter. At Riverty Back in Flow, we therefore put consumers at the centre of things and enable them to largely determine their own path back to financial freedom. To this end, we offer them a comprehensive self-service.

Limitation periods

Apart from the regular limitation period of 3 years, there are numerous special regulations. Do you know which claims are time-barred and when? Or what exactly "suspends" a limitation period?

Identity theft – what if someone concludes a contract using my data?

In an increasingly digitalised world, it is easier for "data thieves" to assume someone else's identity and misuse them for their own purposes. Cases of this so-called identity theft are on the rise. Find out here what exactly identity theft or data misuse means, how you can protect yourself and how you can take targeted action against it.