Warning: Fraudsters are ringing your doorbell – this is how you protect yourself!

Warning: Fraudsters are ringing your doorbell – this is how you protect yourself!

In recent weeks there have been increasing warnings about fraudulent door-to-door sales, particularly in the energy sector. The Lower Saxony Consumer Center emphasizes that unsolicited door-to-door sales are generally not permitted. Fraudsters take advantage of the element of surprise to engage unsuspecting customers in long conversations and slip them 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 is an increasing number of investigations into such cases nationwide.

Attentive citizens should know that those affected only realize late that they have been switched - it is often debits or reminders that cause the warning lights to flash. For example, a pensioner was cheated out of 5,000 euros. A problem that often arises is that it is difficult to prove ignorance of a contract change if a signature is available. Therefore, experts advise the police to be careful in this regard.

Tips for consumers

So how can you best protect yourself? Education is the key here. An important piece of advice is not to allow uninvited representatives into the apartment. Show disinterest and don't have long discussions. However, if you are unable to refuse the visit immediately, ask for the agent's ID card and do not provide any personal information.

If the contract is concluded unintentionally, you have a 14-day right of cancellation - this also applies to door-to-door sales. If you have received a new contract, you need to act quickly. But what happens if you don't react in time or were not informed about your right of withdrawal? The cancellation period is then extended to up to 12 months and 14 days. However, the revocation must be declared in writing to the contractual partner, preferably by registered mail, in order to have evidence in case of doubt.

Older people are particularly affected

Older people and people who live alone are often particularly at risk because trained representatives cleverly exploit the element of surprise to take them by surprise. Consumers should therefore prepare well and not allow themselves to be pressured into making quick decisions. It is advisable to discuss offers calmly with a partner or neighbor to avoid pressure to make a decision.

In summary, it is important to exercise particular caution when doing door-to-door sales. Pay attention to the purchasing processes and question everything. Don't buy anything at the front door and don't sign any contracts under pressure. Make sure you have the peace and quiet you need to see through these often not entirely clean shops. If you have any questions or are unsure, contact the consumer advice center or the police.

Further information on this can be found at Mercury, which warns of the dangers of these door-to-door sales Consumer advice center, which explains your rights, and the VZHh, which provides practical advice for consumers.