DGUV Issues Warning Against Fraudulent Prevention Module Communications

The German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV) has issued a warning regarding fraudulent emails and letters that falsely claim to be from the organization. These communications, which appear to originate from the Berufsgenossenschaft Nahrungsmittel und Gastgewerbe (BGN) or the DGUV, contain misleading information about a supposed mandatory participation in a prevention module for 2025.

The emails and letters typically feature subject lines such as 'Letter from DGUV regarding the introduction of the Prevention Module 2025 - Action Required' or 'Mandatory Participation in DGUV Prevention Module - Act Now'. They inform businesses about a fictitious obligation to enroll in a prevention module and demand payment of a participation fee to the BGN.

Reports indicate that these fraudulent letters have been circulating for some time. One such letter, which has been reviewed by the Pharmaceutical Journal (PZ), is dated February 10, 2025.

According to the DGUV, these communications misuse the logos of both the DGUV and the BGN, as well as the signature of Dr. Stefan Hussy, the DGUV's Chief Executive Officer. The organization has confirmed that no such prevention module exists.

In response to these deceptive practices, the DGUV has initiated legal action. Individuals who have already made payments in response to these fraudulent solicitations are urged to report the incidents. The BGN's service center can be reached at 0621 4456-1581 for filing a report, where individuals will need to provide the case number and the email contact of the relevant law enforcement authority.

Moreover, inquiries can be directed to the statutory accident insurance information line, available at the toll-free number 0800 6050404 or via email at info@dguv.de.