Fraudsters are currently sending invoices to Brandenburg consumers for erotic services they allegedly used over the phone.
As the consumer advice center warns, dubious bills come by post and by SMS.
They use company names such as BERIDA, EZONA, LML, RIBAX, TIMAX, ONAX, TEVAC or LAVARO. Michèle Scherer, digital advisor at the Brandenburg consumer advice center, explains how you can recognize fraudulent invoices and what you can do.
The trick is simple and well known:
Consumers receive a call, allegedly because a package or a fine notice could not be delivered. They confirm their address to the caller and a short time later they receive mail. However, they do not receive a package or a fine notice, but rather an invoice for allegedly used telephone erotic, adult or adult entertainment services. Those affected should transfer the money, usually around 90 euros, to the Czech Republic or send it by post to a post office box there.
“Those affected should not allow themselves to be intimidated and under no circumstances should they pay the amount demanded,”
says Scherer.
“The fraudsters play on the shame of those affected and speculate that they would rather pay than seek advice. If you haven’t used any services, you don’t have to pay anything,”
says Scherer and also advises filing a report with the police.
So far, the Brandenburg consumer advocates have received invoices on which company names such as BERIDA, EZONA, LML, RIBAX, TIMAX, ONAX, TEVAX and LAVARO are mentioned.
“The bills are very similar in their structure. In addition to a Czech address, a PO Box address is also always specified. However, the telephone numbers listed in the invoices can never be reached and the websites of the supposed companies, some of which are listed, cannot be accessed."
said Scherer.
Anyone who receives an invoice or a debt collection letter and is not sure whether it is a legitimate claim can contact the Brandenburg Consumer Center to examine the case:
- in the consumer advice centers, make an appointment on 0331 / 98 22 999 5 (Mon to Fri, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) or online at www.vzb.de/termine ,
- Telephone advice on 09001 / 775 770 (Mon to Fri, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 1€/min on German landline, mobile phone varies) and
- Email advice at www.vzb.de/emailberatung
About the Consumer Center Brandenburg eV
The Brandenburg Consumer Center (VZB) is the most important representation of the interests of Brandenburg consumers towards politics and business.
It offers independent consumer advice, information and education on numerous topics: market & law, travel & leisure, finance & insurance, food & nutrition, digital & telecommunications, energy, building & living. She also advises on German-Polish consumer law. In addition, the VZB warns companies that violate applicable law to the detriment of consumers and educates the public about consumer rights, rip-off scams and savings tips.
Current information is available at www.verbraucherzentrale-brandenburg.de and www.facebook.com/vzbrandenburg .
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