How I got €12,400 back – a true story

How I got €12,400 back – a true story

My name is Anna, I am 34 years old, and I live in Berlin. Six months ago I lost almost €12,400. Today I can say: I've gotten almost everything back. This is my real story.

It all started innocently enough on Tinder.

How it all began

In October 2025, I received a message from "Markus," 42 years old, supposedly an engineer from Hamburg working for a large German company in Dubai. Attractive, polite, with a sense of humor. We chatted daily. After three weeks, we switched to WhatsApp.

He told me about his deceased wife, his young daughter, and a big project in the Emirates. It all sounded very credible. After two months, he said he was finally coming back to Germany—and that we could finally meet.

Then came the shock.

In mid-December, he wrote that he had been seriously injured in a car accident in Dubai. He was in the hospital, the insurance company wasn't paying, and he urgently needed €12,400 for the operation and his flight home. "I'm so ashamed to ask you this... but I have no one else."„

I was already deeply emotionally involved. In a panic, I transferred the money in two installments to an account in Spain.

Two days later, "Markus" disappeared. Profile deleted. No more replies.

I was devastated.

The way back – step by step

Hour 1 – 24: Immediately after the fraud, I called my bank. The employee was very understanding and blocked the account. Because the transfer was via SEPA and less than 24 hours had passed, the bank initiated a case. Chargeback procedure.

Day 2: I filed an online police report about the Online police station. Important: I have saved all chat histories, screenshots, transfer receipts and phone numbers.

Day 3: I contacted the Consumer Advice Center Berlin and a counseling center for victims of fraud. They helped me to formulate a formal letter to the bank.

Week 2: The Spanish bank (where the money had ended up) responded to my bank's inquiry. Because the transaction was reported as fraudulent, they froze the funds.

Month 2: After intensive correspondence and several phone calls with the legal department of my bank, I received 9.800 € back.

Month 4: With additional support from the police and a lawyer (whose costs were covered by legal expenses insurance), further assistance was obtained. 2.100 € back.

Overall result: Received €11,900 back out of €12,400.

What really helped (the most important factors)

1. Act quickly — within the first 24 hours
2. Complete documentation all chats and transactions
3. Direct cooperation with one's own bank
4. Official report filed with the police
5. Professional advice (Consumer advice center + lawyer)
6. No shame — I spoke openly about the fraud

What I would do differently today

• Never transfer money to someone I haven't met in person.
• Always request a video call
• Be immediately suspicious of any demands for money.
• Talk to a trusted person about new acquaintances
• Agree on a codeword system with family and close friends

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the chances of getting money back after a romance scam? Answer: With quick action (within 48 hours), the chances are 50–80 %. The longer you wait, the lower they become.

Question: Does the bank always pay the money back? Answer: Not always, but very often in cases of proven fraud and prompt reporting.

Question: Is it worth hiring a lawyer? Answer: Yes, especially if you have legal expenses insurance. Many costs are covered.

Question: Do I really have to file a police report? Answer: Yes. This greatly increases the chances of repayment and helps the police to catch the perpetrators.

Question: Is it possible to get money back that was sent via Western Union or cryptocurrency? Answer: Very difficult, almost impossible. Therefore, such methods should never be used.

Conclusion

The loss of €12,400 was one of the most painful experiences of my life. But the repayment showed me: There is hope.

If you have become a victim of fraud — take action immediately. The faster you react, the greater your chances.

And above all: Don't be ashamed. You are not alone. Thousands of intelligent, kind-hearted people fall victim to such professionals every year.

Most important sentence: The scammers only win if you remain silent and do nothing.

Stay strong. Take action. Get your money back.

Further links:

• Never get ripped off again
• Fake police, fake bank, fake love
• The 8 newest scams

You are the investigator.