Overview
A blocked account usually catches those affected unprepared: the card no longer works, transfers are not carried out, online banking only shows a brief message. The bank often doesn't give a reason at first. This is stressful, especially when rent, salary and ongoing obligations are processed through this account.
The causes are very different. Banks, payment service providers and crypto exchanges are legally obliged to check suspicious transactions and to report any suspected money laundering. In this phase, they are often not allowed to inform the customer about the report. In addition, an account seizure, termination of the business relationship, open proof of identity or suspected fraud can also be considered triggers. It is not uncommon for people to be affected whose account has been misused as a recipient account by fraudsters without their knowledge.
Which rights you have depends on the specific reason for the ban. We classify the situation, clarify the background if possible and check whether a release of the credit, protection against seizure via a P account or the right to a basic account is an option.
Immediate steps
These steps make sense in most cases – regardless of whether you instruct us.
Ask the bank or provider in writing to tell you why the account was blocked and which documents are required. Note the date, time and the person you spoke to for any telephone calls.
If proof of the origin of funds or identity documents are requested, compile them completely and comprehensibly. In the case of unclear or far-reaching questions, it may make sense to have your response reviewed legally beforehand.
Inform your employer, landlord and important contracting partners if payments are temporarily not possible. Check whether incoming payments can be redirected to another account.
If your account has been attached (garnished), you can ask your bank to convert it into an attachment-protected account (Pfändungsschutzkonto, P-Konto). This keeps a statutorily protected basic amount available for your living expenses.
If payments from strangers have been received in your account, do not forward them on request and do not withdraw them. Secure the related communication and have the next steps reviewed.
Unsure what to do first in your case?
Legal assessment
We examine what the bank or provider is relying on – for example anti-money-laundering obligations, contractual provisions or an official order – and whether the block is still justified in its scope and duration.
If the account relationship has been terminated, we examine whether the formal requirements and notice periods were observed and whether the termination can be challenged in the individual case. Special, stricter requirements apply to basic accounts.
In the event of an account attachment, we examine whether attachment protection via a P-Konto has been correctly implemented and whether an increase in the protected amount may be available, for example in the case of maintenance obligations or certain social benefits.
Under the German Payment Accounts Act (ZKG), consumers are generally entitled to a basic account. We examine whether a refusal was lawful and which avenues – such as proceedings before BaFin – are open.
If your account was used by fraudsters as a recipient account, we examine your legal position towards the bank, the investigating authorities and potential victims. An early assessment is particularly important here, because your own liability risks may also be at stake.
Who may be liable
Claims for release of the balance, for execution of payments or for compensation of a loss may be available if the block or termination was not justified. Whether that is the case depends on the individual case.
Providers of payment accounts, e-money or crypto custody are also subject to statutory and contractual obligations. For providers based abroad, we additionally examine which law applies and where claims can be asserted.
In the event of an account attachment, it may be worth reviewing the underlying claim or the enforcement itself, for example if the claim has already been settled or was never justified.
If your account or identity was misused by fraudsters, claims against those responsible may be available. In practice, enforcement depends on whether these individuals can be identified.
Whether and against whom claims actually exist depends on the individual case and can only be assessed after reviewing the documents.
Preserve evidence
Do not delete anything – not even out of anger or shame. Your account of events is enough for the initial enquiry; documents can be submitted later.
Our approach
Using the form, you describe to us in a few minutes what happened. You can submit documents later.
We review your details, classify the facts and examine against whom claims may be available.
You receive an honest assessment of prospects, risks and costs – and decide for yourself whether to instruct us.
We implement the agreed strategy: towards banks, payment service providers and other parties involved, and in court if necessary.
FAQ
General guidance – it does not replace advice on your individual case.
In certain situations, yes. Where money laundering is suspected, banks are legally obliged to halt and report transactions, and they are often not permitted to inform the customer. However, that does not mean that every block is lawful in its scope and duration – that is precisely what we examine in the individual case.
There is no general answer to this. The duration depends on the basis for the block, whether authorities are involved and how quickly open questions can be clarified. We cannot promise a timeframe, but we examine whether the block is still justified and how the process can sensibly be moved forward.
Anyone who makes their account available for third-party payments may themselves come to the attention of the bank and the investigating authorities – even if they were deceived. It is important not to forward any funds, to secure the communication and to explain your own role comprehensibly. We examine with you which steps make sense in your situation.
That depends on the individual case – in particular on the reason for the block, the origin of the funds and the conduct of the provider. We cannot and may not give a guarantee. After reviewing your documents, we tell you openly which options we see and where the risks lie.
The initial assessment of your enquiry is free of charge. Should further steps make sense, we inform you transparently in advance about the costs involved. Only then do you decide whether to instruct us.
Knowledge centre
Banks
· Manfred Kühn
In the event of an account seizure, the seizure protection account protects a basic amount for living expenses. How the conversion works and when the allowance can be increased.
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Payments
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Once a transfer has been made, it cannot be easily canceled. What avenues there are after fraud - from a callback to the recipient bank to claims against the account holder.
Case review
We will assess which claims may be available and which next steps may make sense.
Your details are treated in confidence. An enquiry does not yet establish a client relationship.
By telephone, by email or via the case review – in confidence and initially without obligation.