Recognize and report fraud

Most users on Gunfinder act in good faith. That said, there are occasional fraud attempts. Knowing the typical warning signs — and reporting them when in doubt — protects you and others. You can also read Staying safe on Gunfinder for guidance on how to handle a transaction securely.

Warning signs in listings and user profiles

• Unrealistic bargains: The firearms market is price-transparent. If a listing seems suspiciously cheap, be cautious.
• Poor German or English: Someone with noticeably unusual language skills likely doesn't hold a German acquisition permit — and the listing is often not genuine.
• Foreign IBAN: If payment is requested to a foreign bank account, be especially careful. The first two letters of an IBAN indicate the country (DE for Germany, AT for Austria).
• Pressure and upfront payment: If the other party pushes for a quick transfer with no security, break off contact.
• Unusual bank details on a familiar profile: If an account has been hacked, the bank details often change. Watch out for inconsistencies.

Find out as much as you can about the other party: ask for their phone number and address, and verify them. For high-value items, we recommend a written purchase agreement and verification of the acquisition permit.

Spotting fake emails and phishing

Phishing is when a third party tries to obtain your data — username, password, or payment details — through fake emails or websites. They pose as a trustworthy source, such as a Gunfinder employee. Typical warning signs:

• poor, incorrect, or suspiciously simple language
• a sender address that doesn't end in @gunfinder.de
• the email doesn't address you by your username
• the email is sent to an address you never registered with on Gunfinder

In such cases, don't share any information and don't click any links.

How to report a suspicion

If you're unsure about a user, a listing, or an email, report it to us — so we can investigate and protect others:

• Report suspicious users or listings directly through the platform or by email at [email protected].
• Forward suspicious emails to [email protected].
• In the case of actual fraud, also file a report with the police and provide all available details (case number, bank details, phone number, message history).