Avoiding scams and fake agents

What the Embassy in Moscow says about agencies, fake websites, fake jobs and crypto 'blocked accounts'.

Typical patterns

• Sold appointments or "guaranteed" visas. No one can guarantee a visa. A visa cannot be bought. The Embassy states that an intermediary is not needed.
• Fake websites that copy the Embassy or the visa centre. Type the address yourself; the Embassy lists the fake sites it knows on its notice page.
• Fake job offers and training places – especially "IT job in Berlin" and "Ausbildung package" offers that ask for fees. A real offer is a contract with a named German employer you can find in the commercial register.
• Fake "blocked accounts", including cryptocurrency "Sperrkonto" offers. The Embassy accepts proof of funds only as a blocked account or a declaration of commitment (national visa page). Check the provider before you transfer anything: Money and EU sanctions.
• Fake documents. False documents lead to refusal and may lead to an entry ban. Details of entry-ban rules for false documents: see § 11 AufenthG (entry and residence ban) and § 95 (2) no. 2 AufenthG (false statements); not examined in detail.

How to check before you pay anything

• A real offer is a signed contract with a named German employer. Look it up in the German commercial register and call its published number.
• Recognition questions: the federal portal anerkennung-in-deutschland.de is free; so is Make it in Germany.
• Apply to universities directly or through uni-assist, not through "partners" who charge a success fee.

Already in Berlin and being exploited? See Already in Berlin?.