Attention: Fraudsters ring on your door - this is how you protect yourself!

Attention: Fraudsters ring on your door - this is how you protect yourself!

Bremerhaven, Deutschland - In the past few weeks, the warnings of fraudulent front door shops have been increasing, especially in the energy sector. The Lower Saxony Consumer Center emphasizes that unsolicited front door shops are generally inadmissible. Fraudsters take advantage of the surprise moment to involve unsuspecting customers in long conversations and put new contracts unnoticed. The aim of these machinations is often to obtain sensitive data such as bank details, current electricity providers and meter numbers in order to terminate existing contracts without the knowledge of those affected and to conclude unfavorable new contracts. The Bremerhaven police report that there are increasing investigations nationwide in such cases.

attentive citizens should know that the victims only notice late that they have been changed - often it is debit or reminders that flash the warning lights. For example, a pensioner has been cheated by 5000 euros. A problem that often appears is that it is difficult to prove the ignorance of a change of contract if there is a signature. Therefore, the police experts advise to be careful in this regard.

tips for consumers

How can you best protect yourself? The clarification here is the key. An important advice is not to let unsolicited representatives into the apartment. Show disinterest and do not have long discussions. However, if it is not possible for you to reject the visit immediately, ask for a job in the intermediary and do not give a personal data.

In the event of an unwanted conclusion of the contract, you have a 14-day right of withdrawal-this also applies to front door shops. If you have received a new contract, quick action is asked. But what happens if you do not react in time or have not been informed about your right of withdrawal? Then the cancellation period is extended to up to 12 months and 14 days. However, the revocation must be declared in writing to the contractual partner, preferably by registered letter in order to have evidence in case of doubt.

older people particularly affected

older and single people are often particularly at risk because trained representatives skillfully take advantage of the surprise effect to surprise them. Consumers should therefore prepare well and not be pushed into quick decisions. It is advisable to discuss offers in peace with a partner or neighbor to avoid making decisions.

In summary, it is important to exercise special caution in front door shops. Pay attention to the purchase processes and question everything. Do not buy anything at the front door and do not sign any contracts under pressure. Ensure the necessary calm to look through these often not very clean business. If you have any questions or are unsure, contact the consumer advice center or the police.

Further information on this can be found at the Merkur , which warns of the dangers of these front door shops, at Consumer center , which explains their rights, and the VZHH , provided the practical advice for consumers.