Watch the video: Beware of scams – you should avoid this word on the phone.
When the phone rings and an unknown or anonymous number is calling, you should always be skeptical.
As early as 2022, the consumer advice center warned of a fraud that was difficult to understand.
The stitch:
The scammers try to get the word “yes” out of those affected. With simple questions like “Can you hear me?” callers try to get the desired answer loud and clear.
A few days later, the victims receive contract documents or invoices. The telephone call is then used as evidence of the conclusion of the contract. In extreme cases, this is cut together in such a way that the “yes” appears to seal a contract.
The problem: Previously, contracts concluded over the phone were legally binding. If anyone didn’t pay, the criminals threatened them with debt collection companies and negative SCHUFA entries.
However, there was never an actual conclusion of the contract. The North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center writes:
“The good news is that if something like this happens to you, you don’t have to pay the bill. However, you should not just ignore them, but defend yourself against them.”
There are sample letters on the consumer advice center website that victims can use to defend themselves.
The legislature has now also reacted and is now stipulating that for many contracts with a term, they may only begin with the approval of a written summary. This means that it is no longer possible to conclude a fixed-term contract with a simple “yes” on the phone. That concerns
1. many energy supply contracts (e.g. electricity and gas),
2. Contracts for internet, telephone and mobile phone connections,
3. Contracts for participation in competitions,
4. Contracts with lotteries.
To avoid the situation in advance, you should:
Be sure to avoid saying “yes” on the phone. For example, answer the question “Do you hear me?” with “I hear you.”
If in doubt, just hang up.
Write down the caller’s name and company, date, time, phone number and what was discussed on the phone.
If in doubt, contact the consumer advice center, a lawyer or the police.