Consumers from Bremen and Bremerhaven are currently complaining about aggressive telephone advertising. The callers cleverly ask for personal information and meter numbers and initiate a change of provider, often without the consent of the person being called.
Everyone has probably fallen victim to unauthorized telephone advertising at some point.
“Without prior consent, advertisers are not allowed to simply call consumers, but they do it anyway,” explains Gerrit Cegielka, consumer rights advisor at the Bremen Consumer Center. The callers cleverly ask for personal information and – in current cases – name, address and electricity meter number.
To change provider, you do not need to provide a power of attorney; you only need to pass on the requested data. “This automated switching process can only be stopped within a 72-hour window. The unwanted change of provider is usually already technically implemented before the written order confirmation from the new energy provider reaches the consumer,” explains Gerrit Cegielka.
Complaints to swb
Complaints are currently piling up not only at the Bremen consumer advice center, but also at the Bremen basic provider swb. “Our customers report that they were unsettled and even massively harassed on the phone,” says Angela Dittmer, press spokeswoman for swb. “The callers try to put the callers under time and decision-making pressure with false information, for example about expiring contracts or a short-term price increase,” says Angela Dittmer, annoyed by the industry’s brash and dubious marketing model. In addition, the callers intentionally disguise their client.
This is how consumers defend themselves
If consumers receive a call, Gerrit Cegielka generally advises: “Do not give out any personal information under any circumstances, just hang up.” Don’t be annoyed if you are still involved in a conversation. Sales professionals are on the other end of the line. “Contact your provider immediately and tell them that you do not want to change provider,” advises the consumer rights advisor.
Tips when an order confirmation comes
Contract confirmations should always be checked carefully to see whether the promises made over the phone were actually included in the contract.
“If in doubt, consumers have a 14-day right of withdrawal for contracts concluded over the telephone,” explains Gerrit Cegielka. “The period only begins on the day the contract is concluded if you were also properly informed of your right to withdraw when the contract was concluded.” If there are problems with an unwanted change of provider or conclusion of the contract, consumers can contact the Bremen Consumer Center.
Source: Telephone rip-offs – cheap electricity providers on a phishing spree | Consumer Center Bremen (consumerzentrale-bremen.de)
Article image: By Lisa-S / Shutterstock.com
Notes:
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