Evidence of fraud related to the energy crisis is increasing
There are currently an increasing number of reports from those affected who receive new or even additional energy contracts in dubious telephone calls. On the phone, the callers pretend to be employees of the basic supplier, another energy provider or comparison portal and offer to switch to a supposedly cheap tariff. Those affected are involved in long conversations, unsettled or harassed.
“Because the callers are either well-informed, follow certain patterns, are well trained, or because chance simply has it, the clever profiteers manage to elicit important data such as name, address, the current provider and the meter number. With this information, a switch to another energy provider can sometimes be successfully initiated,” says Beate Saupe from the Saxony Consumer Center.
However, energy supply contracts must now be concluded in text form. However, this can also be done with a simple “yes” via SMS.
“So anyone who has agreed to a change of provider over the phone and confirmed it via SMS has concluded a valid new contract.”
Beate Saupe
However, a contract concluded in this way can be canceled within 14 days. In addition, the previous provider should be contacted immediately, even if it is hardly possible to restore the old contract with the previous conditions.
What should you do if you get ripped off on the phone or at the front door?
“The easiest way to protect yourself from such additional worries is to consistently end unwanted phone calls. “Just hanging up helps,” advises Beate Saupe.
Under no circumstances should personal data or even the meter number be passed on over the telephone. This applies even more if the dubious provider has already obtained some information itself.
With years of experience and good contacts, the Saxony Consumer Center helps affected consumers with legal advice on termination or attempts to change.
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