Fraud on the doorstep: consumer center warns of "media consultants"

Doorstep advertising instead of online ads: Sounds nostalgic, but it is not uncommon for the offers to be dubious.

The consumer advice center is currently warning of “media consultants”. 

Munich – It is very likely that you have already experienced this: the doorbell rings and there is someone who wants to “inform” you about a specific offer – a doorstep advertiser.

Sounds old-fashioned, but various sales representatives are still on the road on this assignment.

They are often very pushy and encourage you to act quickly.

A current warning from the consumer advice center proves that this is often advisable.

Cable TV contracts?

These doorstep advertisers should set your alarm bells ringing 

The consumer advice center warns that door-to-door advertisers are using a change in the law for their own purposes.

From July 2024, the statutory "ancillary cost privilege" is to be abolished.

This means that cable connections or Internet and telephone connections can no longer be billed as ancillary costs.

As of now, this is common among apartment building rentals.

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Media consultants should not let you in.

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© Imago

So-called "media consultants" are therefore trying to "conclude additional, mostly unnecessary cable contracts on the doorstep or by telephone, sometimes using dubious means," according to the consumer advice center.

In order to simulate urgency, they warn of an alleged shutdown of the cable connection.

In fact, there are various alternatives to cable connections for affected tenants.

And there is always time to weigh things up in peace. 

This is what you should do if a "media consultant" is at your door

As a rule, doorstep advertisers do not stand in front of your door out of charity.

You are unlikely to get the best deal this way.

So stay alert and skeptical.

The consumer center advises the following: 

• Don't let anyone into your home: “media consultants” often try to force their way into your home on the pretext of “checking” the cable connection.

• Under no circumstances should you sign on the doorstep: you don't need to be unsettled or put under pressure.

  The fact that your television connection is switched off “immediately” is a dubious method of exerting pressure. 

• Ask for the ID card and make a note of your contact details: Take the time to think things over and ask if you can contact the agent for further research.

  No reputable provider would deny this project. 

• In the case of great intrusiveness: issue a house ban and, if in doubt, do not hesitate to call the police.

  Entering the house without permission is a criminal offense - you should report the trespassing.

• Act quickly on an order confirmation despite a refusal to sign: In this case, you should revoke the contract and report the case to the consumer advice center.

Here's what you should know about the intentions of doorstep advertisers

According to the consumer center, "media consultants" or other doorstep advertisers are often freelance salespeople who work on a commission basis.

You are therefore dependent on a quick contract signing.

Threatening to switch off the television connection can thus be understood as a tactic to shift personal time pressure onto the household.

(Felina Wellner)

List of rubrics: © Imago