Host Nation Update, May 12, 2023
Cautioning consumers about a scam involving a Paypal trick.
Hamburg police and the consumer advice center have issued a warning about a new Paypal scam in which criminal operators of fake online stores are using the payment function “Send money to a friend.” This payment method circumvents buyer protection and consumers are unable to reclaim their money. The scam works by presetting the purchase amount and “Send money to a friend” option when forwarding to the payment service provider. Consumers who do not carefully check their payments may fall victim to the scam and lose their money. The consumer advice center has advised using Paypal’s “goods and services” payment function to ensure buyer protection. In 2021, Paypal accounted for 28.2% of revenue share in online retail, according to a study by retail research and consulting institute EHI.
This makes it a popular payment option for German customers shopping online, who increasingly choose Paypal over other payment methods. Purchase on account remains the leading payment method in Germany, accounting for 28.3% of online purchases in 2021. Direct debit/bank collection came in third place with 17.4% of sales, followed by credit card with 11.4%.
Consumers are advised to be cautious when making online payments and to ensure they are using a trusted online store. They should also carefully review payment details and use payment options that provide buyer protection. In the event of a scam or fraudulent transaction, consumers should report it to the relevant authorities and contact their bank or payment service provider to request a refund.
The rise of online shopping has brought about new challenges for consumers and law enforcement agencies. It is important for consumers to remain vigilant and stay informed about the latest scams and fraudulent activities, in order to protect themselves and their finances when making online purchases. (Stuttgarter Zeitung 12 May 2023)
Questions and answers about the bloodbath at the Mercedes plant
The Stuttgarter Zeitung published an article on May 12, 2023, by Sasha Maier regarding the shooting incident at the Mercedes plant in Sindelfingen. The article provides a compilation of what is known and unknown about the incident. The victims were shot dead on the grounds of the Mercedes plant and, at the time of publication, only limited official information was available. The article contains questions and answers that provide insight into the crime and its aftermath. The suspect, a 53-year-old man with Turkish citizenship, shot two 44-year-old employees of Rhenus, a logistics service provider. There are rumors that disputes about the Turkish election played a role in the background to the crime, but the investigators have not yet commented on these rumors. Mercedes-Benz is deeply affected by the incident, and the security concept will be reviewed in light of the tragedy.
Have any motives been established?
According to the police, the investigation is ongoing and they have not yet established a motive for the shooting. Rumors circulating on social media about the incident being related to the Turkish election have not been confirmed or denied by the authorities.
What support is being offered to witnesses and employees?
Mercedes-Benz has offered support to all employees and witnesses who were present during the incident, and they are encouraged to seek any necessary assistance or counseling. The company has also stated that they will cooperate with the authorities in any way possible.
Is this the first violent incident at the Mercedes plant in Sindelfingen?
There have been no recent reports of any violent incidents at the plant. Mercedes-Benz has a strict security protocol in place, which includes security checks for all employees and visitors, as well as surveillance cameras and security personnel stationed throughout the premises.
What is the current state of the investigation?
The police have stated that the investigation is ongoing and that they are still collecting evidence and conducting interviews with witnesses. They have not provided any further information on the progress of the investigation.
What is the reaction from the community?
The incident has shocked the local community and many have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. The mayor of Sindelfingen, Bernd Vöhringer, has stated that the city stands in solidarity with the victims and their families, and that they will do everything in their power to support them during this difficult time.
Have any motives been established?
According to the police, the investigation is ongoing and they have not yet established a motive for the shooting. Rumors circulating on social media about the incident being related to the Turkish election have not been confirmed or denied by the authorities.
What support is being offered to witnesses and employees?
Mercedes-Benz has offered support to all employees and witnesses who were present during the incident, and they are encouraged to seek any necessary assistance or counseling. The company has also stated that they will cooperate with the authorities in any way possible.
Is this the first violent incident at the Mercedes plant in Sindelfingen?
There have been no recent reports of any violent incidents at the plant. Mercedes-Benz has a strict security protocol in place, which includes security checks for all employees and visitors, as well as surveillance cameras and security personnel stationed throughout the premises.
What is the current state of the investigation?
The police have stated that the investigation is ongoing and that they are still collecting evidence and conducting interviews with witnesses. They have not provided any further information on the progress of the investigation.
What is the reaction from the community?
The incident has shocked the local community and many have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. The mayor of Sindelfingen, Bernd Vöhringer, has stated that the city stands in solidarity with the victims and their families, and that they will do everything in their power to support them during this difficult time. (Stuttgarter Zeitung 12 May 2023)
Closed trails attract mountain bikers all the more – and now?
Mountain bikers in Stuttgart are frustrated with the closure of several trails in the forest by the city administration. Harald Knitter, a spokesperson for the city, believes that the mountain bikers will find alternative trails using online platforms, and the effect of the closures will not be significant. However, the managing director of the Mountain bike Stuttgart association, Alexander Lukasch, argues that the closures are causing frustration and are contrary to the recreational concept of “offers instead of prohibitions” for the Stuttgart forest. A working group Legal Trails has recently been formed, and Lukasch emphasizes the importance of critical involvement and remaining demanding in the process. The DAV Schwaben suggests that instead of closures, the energy should be put into creating attractive and nature-friendly guiding offers. The city spokesperson confirms that all trails known to the Lower Forestry Authority in appropriate areas have been closed due to the sensitivity of the forest area. If necessary, the trails will be obstructed with tree material.
The city administration considers this to be unrealistic, stating that “We currently assume that mountain bikers inform themselves about existing trails through relevant online platforms for their rides, and thus the described effect will not exist or will not be very large,” according to Harald Knitter, a city spokesperson. A mountain biker responds by asking, “What else does the city expect us to do?” Meanwhile, Alexander Lukasch, the managing director of the Mountain bike Stuttgart association, also expresses strong words regarding the closures, stating that “Frustration continues to spread.” He criticizes the recreational concept for the Stuttgart forest, which called for “offers instead of prohibitions.” Although three trails have been opened, Lukasch argues that this is far too little for tens of thousands of mountain bikers. He asks, “What else does the city expect of us mountain bikers before we finally get legal trails to practice our sport?”
The city spokesperson confirms that all trails in the forest that are known to the Lower Forestry Authority and that are located in an appropriate area have been closed. He states that “Due to the sensitive nature in these areas, it is particularly important that riding on such trails is avoided.” If blocking them with signs and cords is not enough, they could also be obstructed with tree material.
Recently, a working group called Legal Trails was formed, in which mountain bikers and representatives of the city participate. Lukasch asserts that they will “critically accompany” the process and “remain demanding.” The DAV Schwaben suggests that “the energy for closures is rather put into attractive and nature-guiding offers, as agreed in the leisure concept.” (Stuttgarter Zeitung: 12 May 2023