Annoying, time-consuming and, in the worst case, expensive: phone scams. But those affected are not powerless.
The scam sounds perfidious: the phone rings, a voice asks "Can you hear me?". If you let yourself be elicited a "yes" here, in the worst case scenario you have already signed a contract - if fraudsters later misuse the fragment of words.
Consumer advocates report this trick, as well as unauthorized advertising calls and fraudsters who want to steal sensitive data. Older people in particular often react helplessly in such situations. Therefore, education is important.
What should I watch out for when making calls?
"Frequently, dubious callers try to fake an existing relationship of trust, for example by untruthfully claiming a current contractual relationship," says Nadia Affani from the Federal Network Agency. Or they tried to feign time pressure, for example by claiming that television or internet reception would soon be blocked.
"Reputable providers such as banks never ask for passwords or other confidential information," says Katja Nonnenkamp-Klüting from the Bremen consumer advice center. She also advises never to install programs on the computer just because a caller asks for it. Fraudsters could thus gain full control over their own digital data - such as online banking.
Also important: Never call back unknown numbers. Some scammers called from a German number, hung up on the first ring, and then waited to be called back. However, this recall could be expensive for consumers, for example because they end up in a paid queue or accidentally conclude a contract. Basically, anyone who suspects fraudsters on the phone should hang up immediately.
Which contracts are still valid without a signature?
Many important contracts are only valid if they have been executed in text form - i.e. by e-mail or letter. This included gas and electricity supply contracts outside of the basic supply, says Affani. The same applies to games of chance and contracts for the Internet and telephone.
There are companies that simply send consumers the contract summary as an SMS, adds Nonnenkamp-Klüting. Anyone who agrees to this actually concludes the contract. A manual signature is only necessary for a few legal transactions, such as an employment contract or a will, says Nonnenkamp-Klüting.
Is there anything I can do once the contract is closed?
Even if the contract was validly concluded over the phone, those affected have 14 days to revoke it. "The entrepreneur must inform the consumer of his right of withdrawal in text form," says Harald Rotter from the German Lawyers' Association. "If that doesn't happen or it's not formulated in such a way that it meets the legal requirements, you have a lifelong right of withdrawal," said the lawyer.
How can I deal with phone scammers?
Unauthorized advertising calls - so-called cold calls - can be reported to the Federal Network Agency, for example using an online form. "It should be described in as much detail as possible how the conversation went and whether there was contact with the company before or after the conversation," says Nadia Affani. In such cases, the agency can impose a fine of up to 300,000 euros.
The agency is not responsible for fraud attempts in which those affected should reveal passwords or other access data. In such cases, those affected should file a report with the police.
How do I defend myself against a fraudulent invoice?
Rotter advises that anyone who has been the victim of telephone fraud and receives a bill for it should not ignore it. Otherwise, the company may build up further pressure with reminders or threats of collection.
The lawyer recommends immediately sending a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt to the company's company address and, if possible, an e-mail as well. One sentence is enough: "In the event that this invoice should actually be based on a contract, I revoke it." If you are unsure, you can also contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.
