Attention, telephone fraud: How to protect yourself from false callers!

Attention, telephone fraud: How to protect yourself from false callers!

The number of fraudulent calls in Germany has increased significantly in recent years. Thousands of Germans are affected every day, while the Federal Network Agency registers tens of thousands of complaints about unauthorized advertising calls every year. The criminals' scams are varied: they pose as government employees or use fake competitions to obtain personal data or money. Loud Ruhr24 One of the most commonly reported scams is that of fake police officers claiming personal information has been stolen.

The perpetrators use technical tricks to display legitimate phone numbers, making it difficult for consumers to recognize the fraud. The police strongly warn that they will never ask for the transfer of money. If an inappropriate call is suspected, it is recommended to hang up immediately and contact the local police station telephone number yourself.

Unauthorized advertising calls and legal framework

Unwanted advertising calls, which usually occur without the consumer's prior consent, are particularly annoying. This has been prohibited by law since 2009, and companies that violate this law face hefty fines. Despite these regulations, such calls remain widespread. Consumers should not engage in this and instead report unauthorized telemarketing to the relevant authority, as recommended by the Consumer advice center is recommended.

Consumers often complain about calls from telephone and internet providers, energy suppliers, banks, insurance companies and magazine publishers. Not only can these calls be stressful, but they can also result in unexpected bills or unauthorized charges. It is important to know that contracts concluded over the telephone are often not effective. These can be withdrawn within 14 days provided consumers have been properly informed of their right of withdrawal.

Options for action for consumers

Consumers should always be careful and not give out personal information over the phone. The Federal Network Agency also advises asking unknown callers for the company name and phone number. Consumer advice centers never make unsolicited contact by telephone. If you suspect fraud, it is advisable to immediately file a criminal complaint with the local police. Monitoring account activity after suspicious calls is also important to potentially minimize the damage.

The impact of such scams is not only financial but also emotional. In a particularly blatant case in Frankfurt am Main, crooks stole 5,000 euros from an injured woman. Consumers are well advised to handle their data carefully and to react immediately if contact is unsafe. Advice from consumer advice centers can offer valuable support in this precarious situation.