2024-09-21 22:34:40
Consumer protection groups are warning of a new rip-off scheme by energy providers. The companies are pushing contracts onto customers via SMS.
Cases of fraud involving false energy contracts are currently on the rise, warns the Lower Saxony Consumer Advice Center in a statement. Numerous victims have reported that they have been called by dubious companies, it says.
The companies called “under a false identity” and tried to obtain personal information such as the meter number, name and address of the person called. The aim of the companies was to get the customer to switch provider.
They tried to get callers to sign a contract via SMS and confirm the change of provider via a link contained in the text message.
“Simply clicking on the link cannot be considered as consent,” write the consumer advocates. However, if the recipients are redirected to a page with a contract form, a contract can become effective by signing on the smartphone.
“In the consultations, those affected told us that it was not clear to them […] to agree to a contract,” it continues. Most of the time, those affected simply wanted to see the offer or understand the advertised tariff.
When receiving such a call, companies must also provide correct information about the right of withdrawal. “Sometimes those affected were told by telephone that they had no right of withdrawal,” they say. That is not true. The right of withdrawal is generally 14 days from the conclusion of the contract.
Consumer advocates advise: If a contract has been concluded in this way, those affected should dispute and revoke it as quickly as possible.
“In addition, they should demand proof of the actual conclusion of the contract and proper instructions on cancellation,” it continues.
But it would be even better not to respond to such advertising calls at all. In addition, you should never sign anything on your smartphone, as it is difficult to check the contents of the contract later.