Anger over scam texts, chat messages and fraudulent calls has been easing, though it remains widespread, according to new figures from Germany’s Federal Network Agency.
The regulator said it received 85,158 complaints about number misuse last year, down from a record 154,624 in 2024. The agency did not give a specific reason for the sharp decline.
Most attempts involved scam SMS messages, such as fake parcel notices claiming a customs fee is still owed, as well as contact via chat apps or direct calls.
Parcel-related fraud, which was especially common in 2024, has decreased, with criminals apparently shifting tactics. The agency shut down around 6,200 phone numbers for misuse, roughly the same as the year before, and imposed bans on more than 2,000 numbers from demanding illegitimate payments.
Federal Network Agency President Klaus Müller said “we are effectively protecting consumers from number misuse,” adding that authorities rely on tips from the public to track and combat these abuses.
Many people also complained about automated recorded messages, expensive waiting loops, router hacking and fake hotlines. The so-called “grandchild scam,” in which fraudsters pose as relatives urgently needing money or personal data, has been declining for several years, the agency said.
The drop in complaints may also reflect stronger warning systems from network operators. Vodafone launched a spam alert in May that displays “Caution: possible fraud” when a call comes from a number flagged as suspicious. Deutsche Telekom has introduced a similar system.
