The Bavarian Consumer Advice Center is currently warning of a scam in which consumers are defrauded of supposed winnings over the phone. The aim of the scam is to foist magazine subscriptions on unwitting people by claiming that they have won a subscription in a competition. Here is the most important information and tips on how you can protect yourself.
Be careful with calls that promise prizes
Those affected are increasingly reporting unexpected calls in which they are presented with a magazine subscription as a prize. The sellers entice you with a selection of different magazines and ask for personal data in order to process the supposed prize. “As a rule, there is only a free trial period,” explains Tatjana Halm, lawyer at the Bavarian Consumer Center. “Consumers are usually not informed that the trial subscription automatically becomes subject to a fee after the test phase has expired.”
Asking carefully protects against unexpected subscription costs
Many of those affected only realize that they have fallen into a trap when bills for the supposedly free subscription suddenly arrive. It is therefore important to ask critical questions during such calls and to insist on complete and clear information. “If the callers do not explain exactly what the costs are or avoid questions about them, we advise consumers not to accept the supposedly free magazine subscription,” Tatjana Halm continued. “In this way, they can avoid being tied to such contracts in the long term.”
Door-to-door sales and contracts concluded over the telephone: Use the right of withdrawal
Such offers can not only occur on the telephone, but also at the front door. Here too, caution is advised. Fortunately, in most cases you can cancel contracts concluded over the phone or at your doorstep within 14 days. This deadline allows you to obtain information at your leisure and avoid unnecessary costs.
Help from the Bavarian Consumer Center
The Bavarian Consumer Center is available for individual questions and further support. Appointments can be made at www.verbraucherzentrale-bayern.de. The experts there help you defend yourself against unwanted subscriptions and other dubious offers.
questions and answers
- What should I do if I get a call promising a prize?
If you receive a call promising you a prize in the form of a magazine subscription, you should be skeptical at first. Ask exactly what costs you will incur and whether it is actually a free offer. Get all information in writing and do not sign anything over the phone. - How can I be sure I don't fall into a subscription trap?
To avoid falling into a subscription trap, you should never give out personal information over the phone without first obtaining comprehensive information. Have the offer confirmed in writing and read the conditions carefully. Pay particular attention to the duration of the subscription and any costs after a trial period. - Can I cancel a contract that I concluded over the phone or at the front door?
Yes, you have the right to cancel contracts concluded over the telephone or at your door within 14 days. The revocation must be made in writing. This way you can check the offer at your leisure and protect yourself from unwanted obligations. - What happens if I have already received bills for an unwanted subscription?
If you have already received invoices for an unwanted subscription, you should react immediately. Contact the Bavarian Consumer Center or another consumer advice center. There are often legal ways to get out of such contracts, especially if you have been misled about essential contract details. - How can I generally protect myself from dubious offers?
To generally protect yourself from dubious offers, you should always be careful when someone sells you something over the phone or at your door. Do not give out any personal information or allow yourself to be put under pressure. Find out more from trustworthy sources such as consumer advice centers and exercise your right of withdrawal if you have concluded an unwanted contract.
Conclusion
The Bavarian Consumer Center is warning of more and more cases in which consumers are being foisted with unwanted magazine subscriptions. Caution is particularly advised when it comes to promises of prizes over the phone. By asking precise questions and providing written confirmation, you can protect yourself from unwanted contracts. Use your right of withdrawal to avoid unwanted obligations and if you are unsure, contact the Bavarian Consumer Center. Stay vigilant and well-informed to protect yourself from fraudulent schemes.
Source: Bavaria Consumer Center
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