“Please call urgently! Unfortunately, I didn’t come across them.” We’ve known these orange postcards for at least 8 years. We first reported on this in 2015 . They are actually real postcards that appear to be commonly used by debt collection agencies. An internet search for the specified telephone number returns some results that make it clear that this is a tactic used by debt collection companies to make recipients curious and get them to contact you without providing any concrete information.
In recent weeks, reports from users about unusual finds in mailboxes have increased again: a conspicuous orange or red card that asks the recipient to urgently call the sender back. The only contact information on the card is a phone number. What exactly are these mysterious cards all about?
These are cards like this and similar ones with “Please call urgently!” Unfortunately I didn’t meet her.”

These cards often contain an urgent message, such as:
"Urgent! Unfortunately, I could not reach you. In a personal civil matter, it is of the utmost importance that I can speak to you. Please call me back or send me a message as soon as possible.” Most of the time this number is on the card: 01712809860
The card's eye-catching color and alarming content can easily unsettle recipients. However, it is advisable not to act rashly and immediately call the number indicated on the card.
The tactics behind the orange or red cards
The distribution of these orange or red cards has been a practice that has been around for years and comes in various forms. The text on the card can vary, as can the telephone number provided. These are often fraudulent attempts to lure people into cost traps such as unwanted subscriptions. Possible scenarios are:
- If you call back the number on the card, you may be asked to perform a “data match.” Here you should disclose personal information, such as your first and last name or your account number.
- It is specified that, for example, open debts must be checked by a debt collection company.
- In reality, fraudsters could use this information to take out a paid subscription in your name, for example to gambling or magazines.
- In some cases, immediate outstanding debts are mentioned that should be collected by a debt collection company. However, these debts do not have to be real and may simply be fictitious demands designed to put pressure on those affected.
How best to proceed if you receive such a card
If you find such a card in your mailbox and are sure that there are no outstanding claims against you, it is best to ignore the card and throw it away. Do not call the phone number listed on the card, do not give out any personal information, or be intimidated.
Most reviews online have only negative experiences with these phone numbers. To be sure, look up the number listed on the card on sites like Tellows.de or a general Google search to see if there are others already affected.

If there is an actual debt, contact the creditor first and not the number on the card. You should not make calls or settle claims made over the phone without the name of a contact person or the company that supposedly left the card. Bailiffs and reputable companies usually take a different approach and do not leave anonymous postcards. If a bailiff cannot reach you, you will usually receive an official letter with a seal containing an appointment or a request for a call back.
Conclusion and advice for those affected
In most cases, the orange cards are an attempt to circumvent the telephone advertising ban. Providers who are no longer allowed to call you for advertising purposes try to get you to call them. Ignore such calls and do not be intimidated by the urgent tone. If there are actually claims against you, you will usually be informed about them via another, more reputable way.
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