{"id":30586,"date":"2023-10-29T21:27:42","date_gmt":"2023-10-29T20:27:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/?p=30586"},"modified":"2026-06-22T21:44:48","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T19:44:48","slug":"account-block-lawyer-unfreeze","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/account-block-lawyer-unfreeze\/","title":{"rendered":"Account Blocked: No Money, No Movement"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>What to do when the bank blocks your account<\/h2>\n<p>An <strong>account block<\/strong>, also known as an <strong>account attachment<\/strong>, is a legal measure by which a credit institution restricts access to a bank account. This is usually triggered by <strong>outstanding payment obligations<\/strong> towards creditors, such as unpaid invoices or court decisions.<\/p>\n<p>A typical scenario that can trigger an account block is an <strong>unsettled debt<\/strong> owed to a creditor. Suppose a person has failed to pay an outstanding invoice owed to a supplier. The supplier then initiates legal proceedings and obtains a court judgment. On the basis of this judgment, the supplier may apply for enforcement, with the result that the debtor&#8217;s bank account is blocked.<\/p>\n<h2>What other reasons are there for an account block<\/h2>\n<p>Account blocks can occur for a variety of reasons, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Unpaid debts:<\/strong> Unsettled debts are the most common cause of an account block. If a debtor fails to meet their payment obligations, creditors can take legal action to recover their money.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Court order:<\/strong> A court can order an account block in order to enforce a lawful claim. This happens when a creditor succeeds in court and obtains an enforcement order.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Insolvency proceedings:<\/strong> In the context of insolvency proceedings, certain accounts may be blocked in order to protect assets and ensure a fair distribution to creditors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Suspicion of fraud:<\/strong> If a credit institution suspects that an account is being used for fraudulent activities, it can impose a temporary block in order to carry out further investigations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Social scoring and ESG rating:<\/strong> In the age of social scoring and ESG rating (Environmental, Social, Governance), a person&#8217;s conduct in relation to ethical, social and environmental matters may have an impact on their financial situation and, in extreme cases, lead to an account block.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Voicing unpopular opinions:<\/strong> Expressing opinions that are controversial or unpopular in public can have legal consequences, including an account block.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Foreign payments:<\/strong> Unusual or frequent foreign payments may be classified by banks as suspicious. Furthermore, payments via payment service providers or anonymous cash transactions can also lead to a temporary block on the account in order to minimise potential risks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Other &#8220;suspicious&#8221; account movements: <\/strong>Unusual, unexplained or suspicious transactions can be regarded by the bank as potentially high-risk and lead to the account being blocked. This also includes suspicious payments to or from &#8220;suspicious&#8221; countries that are, for example, under observation or currently subject to sanctions.<\/li>\n<li><strong> Suspicion of money laundering:<\/strong> If there are indications of money laundering, the bank is obliged to take appropriate measures, which can lead to a temporary account block.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Difficulties in administering estate accounts: <\/strong>The complicated administration of estate accounts can lead to delays and uncertainties, which can occasionally result in a temporary account block.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Improper handling of legal guardians and holders of a power of attorney:<\/strong> Incorrect handling of authorised representatives or guardians can lead to uncertainty regarding the power of disposal over the account and result in a temporary account block.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Liquidity shortage at the credit institution: <\/strong>If the credit institution itself runs into financial difficulties, this can lead to temporary account blocks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Payments for acquaintances, friends, third parties: <\/strong>Unusual payment patterns, in particular to third parties, may be classified by the bank as potentially risky, which can lead to an account block.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sudden termination:<\/strong> An abrupt termination of the account by the bank can lead to a temporary account block.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lack of response from the bank to calls and transfer orders: <\/strong>If communication with the bank breaks down and enquiries are not processed, this can lead to a temporary account block.<\/li>\n<li><strong>IT migrations reported in the press: <\/strong>Well-known IT migrations that are publicly known can temporarily lead to restrictions on account accessibility while the migrations are being implemented.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Who can initiate an account block<\/h2>\n<p>An account block can be initiated by various parties, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Account holder: <\/strong>Perhaps surprising at first glance, but the account holder, too, can have their account blocked. This often happens when there is a risk that third parties could gain access. (this also applies to legal guardians, holders of a power of attorney, heirs, insolvency administrators, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Legal guardians, holders of a power of attorney, compulsory administrators, heirs, estate curators, executors of wills, estate administrators, insolvency administrators<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Creditors:<\/strong> In the case of unpaid debts, a creditor can take legal action to obtain an account block.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Court<\/b><strong>:<\/strong> A court can order an account block on the basis of a legally binding judgment.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Bank<\/b><strong>:<\/strong> A bank can impose a temporary account block if it suspects fraudulent activity or money laundering.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Insolvency administrator<\/b><strong>:<\/strong> In the context of insolvency proceedings, an insolvency administrator can initiate account blocks in order to secure assets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Possible consequences of an account block<\/h2>\n<p>The consequences of an account block can be very varied and can primarily be divided into two categories. On the one hand, short-term consequences that are felt immediately, such as a lack of liquidity and temporary insolvency, which goes hand in hand with exclusion from commercial trade. On the other hand, medium- and long-term consequences that affect one&#8217;s financial future and can have a lasting impact on a person&#8217;s reputation:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Schufa entry:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Negative impact on the Schufa score<\/b>: An account block is usually recorded as a negative entry with Schufa (Germany&#8217;s main credit bureau). This can lead to a significant drop in the Schufa score.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Harder access to loans and financial products<\/b>: A lower Schufa score can make it more difficult to obtain loans or to take out certain financial products, such as credit cards or instalment plans.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Higher interest rates on loans<\/b>: If loans are approved, the interest rates may be higher, as a lower Schufa score is regarded as a greater risk for lenders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Rating with banks:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Restriction of account options<\/b>: The current bank that imposed the account block might be reluctant to open further accounts for the affected customer.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> More difficult account opening with other banks<\/b>: Other banks might be reluctant to open a new account for the affected customer due to the negative entry with Schufa.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Restriction on the use of financial services<\/b>: The affected person could have difficulty obtaining certain financial services such as credit cards, overdraft facilities or loans.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Loss of trust at the bank<\/b>: The bank could lose confidence in the customer&#8217;s financial reliability, which could have a long-term negative effect on the relationship with the bank.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to prepare for an account block<\/h2>\n<p>Despite an <strong>account block<\/strong>, there are various measures one can take in order to remain liquid. Here are some possible precautions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Emergency fund<\/b>: It is advisable to set up an emergency fund that covers enough money for three to six months of living expenses. This fund should be held in a separate account that is not affected by the account block.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Cash reserves<\/b>: Keep a certain amount of cash at home in order to be able to cover short-term expenses.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Alternative accounts<\/b>: Consider opening a second account with another bank or financial institution. Make sure that this account is not connected to the blocked account.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Online payment services<\/b>: Use online payment services such as PayPal, Venmo or similar to carry out transactions.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Credit card<\/b>: A credit card can in many cases serve as a substitute for cash. Make sure that you can settle the monthly credit card statement.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Transfers via third parties<\/b>: If possible, ask trusted persons or family members to help out financially on a temporary basis.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Advance payments and instalment plans<\/b>: Arrange alternative payment terms with landlords, service providers or creditors, such as advance payments or instalment plans.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Social support<\/b>: Check whether you are entitled to state benefits, such as unemployment benefit or social assistance.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Legal support<\/b>: Consult a lawyer to find out whether legal steps can be taken to lift or mitigate the account block.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b> Budget planning<\/b>: Draw up a strict household budget in order to minimise your expenditure and ensure that your liquid funds are used as efficiently as possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Account block lawyer: how we help you<\/h2>\n<p>Our experienced law firm in Munich offers comprehensive support for individuals affected by an account block. Our services include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Legal advice and analysis of the situation:<\/strong> We analyse your individual situation and provide you with comprehensive legal advice on the possible steps that can be taken.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Representation in court:<\/strong> Our lawyers represent you competently in court in order to safeguard your interests as effectively as possible.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Negotiations with creditors:<\/strong> We contact the creditors on your behalf and attempt to reach an amicable solution.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Challenging the account block:<\/strong> Under certain circumstances, we can challenge the lawfulness of the account block and initiate measures to have it lifted.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Support in insolvency proceedings:<\/strong> In the event of insolvency proceedings, we are at your side with our expertise in order to ensure a fair distribution to creditors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Communication with the bank:<\/strong> We take over communication with the bank and work towards a smooth resolution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Our law firm has<strong> many years of experience<\/strong> in supporting clients with <strong>legal matters relating to account blocks<\/strong>. Please feel free to contact us for further information or to arrange a consultation appointment.<\/p>\n<h2>Helpful articles on the topic of asset protection:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/?p=30547\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Liechtenstein &#8211; opening a secure bank account &#8211; no enforcement from Germany<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/criminal-tax-fraud-or-money-laundering-with-the-help-of-foundation-trustees-and-life-insurance-companies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Criminal tax fraud or money laundering with the help of foundation trustees and life insurance policies<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/account-check-what-offices-are-allowed-to-ask\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Account check &#8211; what the authorities are allowed to ask<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/invalidity-of-contracts-confiscation-of-assets-and-arrest-in-case-of-breach-of-penalties\/\">Contract nullity, asset confiscation and arrest for breaching sanctions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/fields-of-law\/lawyer-for-banking-law-in-munich\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Banking law lawyer in Munich<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>by Dr. Johannes Fiala<\/p>\n<p>with the kind permission of <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.network-karriere.com\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">www.network-karriere.com<\/a> (published in issue 12\/2024, pages 26 and 27)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From unpaid invoices to suspected money laundering &#8211; the reasons for account blocks are manifold. Here you will learn how to react, stay capable of acting and which legal options you have to lift the block.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":30584,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_description":"","rank_math_title":""},"categories":[481],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30586","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-topic"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30586","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30586"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30586\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30718,"href":"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30586\/revisions\/30718"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30584"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30586"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30586"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fiala.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}