Don’t answer “YES” on the phone!

Beware of telephone scams! Don't let yourself be pressured into saying “yes” over the phone because you might unconsciously agree to a contract.

We received inquiries about a scam where people are pressured into saying “yes” over the phone. This is about the following warning, which is shared on Facebook: “Just came on the radio.
Consumer advocates warn against dubious calls in which, for example, you are asked whether you can understand the caller well. And if you answer “yes” it has already happened. This “yes” is then later cut out of this phone call and reinserted somewhere else. For example, with a sentence: Do you really want to conclude this contract? It's best to just hang up! Pass this message on to others so they don’t fall for this new scam.”

The fact check

Yes, this scam exists. Those called should actually avoid answering questions with a “yes” if possible. But anyone who receives unjustified invoices after a phone call even though they didn't order anything. If you have not consciously agreed to a contract, you do not have to pay the claim, according to the consumer advice center .

The scam in detail: The callers initially put the person they are calling under pressure and demand that they say “yes” loudly and clearly. The caller asks questions such as “Can you hear me?” A few days later, those called receive contract documents or invoices under the pretext that the person concerned had agreed to it over the phone. In extreme cases, such a telephone call is even edited together to give the impression that the person called has answered “yes” at the appropriate point in order to conclude the contract.

Of course, it's not always possible to avoid saying "yes" on the phone - that would also be unrealistic. But the following tips will help you learn how to behave on the phone:

• Answer in the whole sentence. For example: “Do you hear me?” – “I hear you.”
• Answer in a firm tone that you are not interested.
• If in doubt, just hang up.
• Write down your name, company, date, time, phone number and what was discussed on the phone and contact the consumer advice center and the Federal Network Agency.

In the event of an unjustified claim, the consumer advice center will provide you with the following sample letters:

• Defense against an unjustified claim (e.g. magazine subscription)
• Defense against an unjustified claim from a debt collection agency

Conclusion:

Yes, there is such a scam. The consumer advice center gives you good tips in the event of an unjustified claim. In addition, you don't have to pay them if you haven't consciously agreed to a contract.