Warning notice: Fraudulent emails in the name of the Frankfurter Buchmesse

General notice

Fraudulent and misleading emails and offers are currently circulating that purport to come from Frankfurter Buchmesse or individuals associated with us. The senders use the name, logo or other publicly available information of Frankfurter Buchmesse to create a sense of trust.

These messages are aimed, among others, at exhibitors, authors and business partners. They may include requests for payment, offers for paid listings or author representation, as well as requests for invoice documents and confidential information.

The examples below provide an overview of known cases and typical methods. This list is not exhaustive. Fraud attempts may take modified forms and may also be professionally designed.

Known fraud patterns

Misleading listing offers for exhibitor directories and catalogues

Fraudulent emails are currently circulating that purport to come from Frankfurter Buchmesse. The senders claim to be publishers of unofficial exhibitor directories.

Before trade fairs, exhibitors are offered listings in low-quality online directories or the purchase of unofficial exhibitor directories. These offers often conceal long-term payment obligations amounting to several thousand euros.

Requests to send invoice documents or redirect payments

Fraudulent emails are currently circulating that purport to come from Frankfurter Buchmesse or our Director, Juergen Boos. These messages request invoice documents or ask recipients to redirect payments.

Invitation as a “Featured Virtual Author”

Fraudulent emails are currently circulating that purport to come from Frankfurter Buchmesse. They invite authors to take part in an alleged “Featured Virtual Author” programme of Frankfurter Buchmesse 2026.

The emails promise international visibility and the presentation of the recipients’ own books. At the same time, they state that participation is not free of charge. Information on registration and participation fees is said to be provided only after a reply stating “Yes” or “Send Details”.

This programme and the related messages do not originate from Frankfurter Buchmesse.

Requests to pay additional logistics costs

Fraudulent emails are currently circulating that purport to come from Frankfurter Buchmesse. They refer to alleged additional costs incurred as part of an ongoing logistics process, citing increased transport and fuel costs as the reason.

The emails request that a specified amount be transferred within a short period to a bank account in the name of a private individual. The reference “RE 26333” may be given as the payment reference. They also claim that this payment settles all outstanding items and that no further costs are anticipated. As additional context, they refer to the planned sale of a collection in September.

Offers of alleged author representation at Frankfurter Buchmesse

We have received reports of offers in which authors are promised alleged representation at Frankfurter Buchmesse and other book fairs in return for a fee.

In one reported case, an author paid US$1,500 for alleged representation of their books at Frankfurter Buchmesse and other events. As proof of the alleged presentation, the author received only a digitally created image of their book covers on a virtual bookshelf. There was no verifiable evidence of an actual on-site presentation or official participation at Frankfurter Buchmesse.

These offers create the impression that the books will be presented on site at Frankfurter Buchmesse and specifically introduced to international rights buyers, publishers and distribution companies.

Frankfurter Buchmesse points out that it has not authorised any such author representation and that these offers are not made on behalf of Frankfurter Buchmesse.

Requests to confirm alleged participation at Frankfurter Buchmesse

Fraudulent emails are currently circulating in which senders claim to be employees of Frankfurter Buchmesse. In a recent case, the name and actual role of our employee Claudia Kaiser were used to encourage authors to confirm their alleged participation at Frankfurter Buchmesse in October 2026.

The messages refer to alleged conversations with third parties and create the impression that production capacity, logistics services and other organisational arrangements have already been reserved for the recipient. A personal and emotionally worded approach is intended to prompt a direct response.

The email also contains different or incorrect website and email addresses that resemble Frankfurter Buchmesse’s official communication channels.

This message does not originate from Frankfurter Buchmesse.

How to protect yourself: key rules at a glance

For suspicious messages or payment requests:

Do not let yourself be pressured: urgency, threats and unusually short deadlines are typical warning signs.
Do not click: do not open links or unexpected attachments, and do not reply directly to suspicious messages.
Do not share confidential data: do not provide passwords, PINs, TANs, security codes, full payment details, copies of identity documents or login credentials.
Check payment requests independently: do not transfer money until you have verified the sender, purpose, amount, invoice number, bank details and payee.
Use known contact channels: confirm unusual requests through a known, independent contact channel — not through the contact details in the suspicious message.
Check messages carefully: look out for different sender addresses, unusual language, spelling mistakes, contradictory information and new bank details.
Preserve and report suspicious messages: keep the message and all related documents, and forward them to notify@buchmesse.de.
Act immediately if you suffer a loss: contact your bank or payment service provider without delay. Change any affected passwords and, where appropriate, report the matter to the police.

How to protect yourself: detailed guidance

1. Stay calm and do not rush

Do not let yourself be pressured. Fraud attempts often rely on urgency, threats, unusual secrecy or requests for an immediate decision. Take the time to carry out an independent check.

2. Do not open links or attachments

Do not click links in suspicious emails or messages, and do not open unexpected attachments. Do not reply directly to the message.

Instead, access websites by entering an address you already know yourself. Do not use contact details or QR codes contained in the suspicious message.

3. Do not disclose login credentials or confidential information

Never provide passwords, PINs, TANs, security codes or full payment details by email, SMS, messenger service or in response to an unsolicited telephone call.

Also be cautious when asked for:

copies of identity documents or other proof of identity;
customer or contract data;
internal information;
remote access to your computer or smartphone;
changes to bank details or payment methods.

4. Check payment requests independently

Do not transfer money until you have checked the request. In particular, compare:

the sender address and spelling of the domain;
the invoice number, amount and due date;
the bank details and payee;
the content and reason for the request.

Always confirm unusual payment requests through a known, independent contact channel. Do not use the contact details in the suspicious message for this purpose.

5. Check the sender and message carefully

Look out for:

slightly different or unusual email addresses;
an unfamiliar form of address or conspicuous language;
spelling and formatting errors;
contradictory information;
unexpected invoices or payment reminders;
requests for secrecy;
unusual payment deadlines or new bank details.

A professional design or a familiar logo is not proof that a message is genuine.

6. Report suspicious messages

Please send suspicious messages to the designated contact point:

notify@buchmesse.de

Messages are collected solely for internal documentation and to help us identify current or recurring scamming cases. Sending a message does not constitute processing of an individual case or reimbursement for any loss incurred.

Reporting a message to Frankfurter Buchmesse does not replace reporting the matter to the police. If you have already transferred money or shared personal data, contact your bank or payment service provider without delay and, where appropriate, report the matter to the police. Frankfurter Buchmesse cannot take action to recover your money.

Do not delete the message until you have saved it or sent it to the contact point above.

7. Preserve evidence

Keep suspicious emails, SMS messages, chat histories, attachments, telephone numbers, links, invoices and proof of payment. Also note the date, time and the course of events so far.

8. If you have already responded

Act immediately:

Payment initiated: contact your bank immediately and try to stop or recall the payment.
Login credentials entered: change the affected password immediately through the official website. Also change it for any other services where you used the same password.
Payment details disclosed: inform your bank or payment service provider and request the necessary blocks.
Remote access granted: disconnect the device from the internet and have it checked by a qualified professional. Change important passwords from another, secure device.
Personal data shared: monitor your accounts and contracts particularly closely and contact the relevant authorities or organisations.

Report the matter to the police if you have suffered a financial loss or there has been a specific fraud attempt. Also inform the company concerned about the incident.

Remember

Do not click. Do not disclose information. Do not pay under pressure. Check independently. Report any suspicion.