A chargeback is the reversal of a card payment initiated through the issuing bank under the rules of the relevant card scheme. Where a payment was obtained by fraud or the service was never provided, it can come into consideration as one route to recovering funds.
Two limits matter. A chargeback is not a right the cardholder can simply invoke — the decision lies with the bank and the scheme, applying their own rules. And the time limits are comparatively short, which is why informing your bank early preserves an option that waiting removes.
Why it matters to you
Where a deposit to a fraudulent platform was made by card, this is often the fastest available route, and it runs in parallel with any criminal complaint. Whether it is promising in a specific case depends on the payment date, the card scheme and how the transaction was presented. The broker fraud page explains how the payment route shapes the options.
Capital investment fraud
Capital investment fraud (§ 264a StGB): false statements presenting an investment favourably when marketing it to a larger group of investors.
Investment fraud
Deceiving investors about a capital investment in order to obtain payments — punishable as fraud under § 263 StGB.
Pig butchering
A scam combining weeks of trust-building with fake crypto investments. Definition, typical sequence and help for victims.