Beware of PCM Marketing: The Dangerous Subscription Trap

Companies are used to constantly being confronted with different marketing offers. But not all calls and emails are legitimate. Shady marketing agencies keep popping up trying to force companies into expensive subscriptions. One of these questionable companies is “PCM Marketing”. In this article you will learn how PCM Marketing works and how you can protect yourself from this subscription trap.

The alleged subscription cancellation by PCM

Many companies are currently reporting unwanted calls from PCM Marketing. The callers claim that the company they are calling has an ongoing subscription to a business directory entry that urgently needs to be canceled to avoid high costs. Sounds worrying, right? But this is where the deception begins.

The dangerous termination template

After PCM Marketing calls you, you will receive what appears to be a helpful cancellation template via email. This is already filled out with your company details and supposedly just needs to be signed and sent back. That sounds temptingly simple, but the danger lurks here.

An expensive subscription instead of canceling

If you take a closer look at the PDF document, you will see that there is no termination here. Instead, with your signature, you conclude a contract for a business directory entry, which costs an impressive 997 euros every six months.

A frightening discovery that many companies only make when it is already too late.

The legal situation

Even if you signed the questionable agreement, you should know that it does not constitute a valid contract. With this approach, PCM Marketing violates the federal law against unfair competition (UWG).

Section 28a UWG expressly prohibits advertising entries in directories such as industry or telephone directories in commercial transactions without clearly and clearly indicating that this is a contractual offer. PCM Marketing clearly violates this law.

What to do if you have already signed?

Even if you have already signed, you shouldn't worry. The contract is not legally valid because it was concluded unfairly. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Don't pay : If you receive a bill, don't pay it. You are not obligated to pay for a subscription you never wanted.
2. Ignore further requests for payment : It is very likely that PCM Marketing will continue to try to get you to pay. Ignore all further requests.
3. Block the phone number : To prevent further unwanted calls, you should block PCM Marketing's phone number.
4. Ignore emails and letters : Don't be intimidated by threats in emails or letters. These are not legally binding.
5. Demand your money back : If you have already paid money, you can try to request it back by pointing out the violation of the law. If PCM Marketing does not cooperate, you should consider filing a police report.

Conclusion

PCM Marketing is just one of many dubious marketing agencies trying to lure companies into expensive subscriptions. It is important to be vigilant and check such offers carefully before acting. If you are contacted by PCM Marketing, be careful and follow the steps above to protect yourself from this subscription trap.

Remember that you are not alone if you are affected by such fraudulent practices. Find out about your rights and contact the relevant authorities for assistance. And above all: Stay vigilant and protect your company from questionable offers like those from PCM Marketing.

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