Deception via telephone recruitment increases sharply | Money

People who are called have often taken part in an action or completed a survey on the internet. The telephone conversation is followed by a vague story about, for example, a won trip or product, with the question whether they would like to receive more information. Consumers who accept this, hear a while later that they are tied to a paid service.

‘Say no’

Edwin van Houten, director of Consumers at ACM, advises consumers to say ‘no’ and to disconnect if they do not trust it. „Don’t have ‘additional information’ sent. This prevents you from being confronted with incorrect reminders afterwards.”

Rules

There are several rules that protect consumers in this type of situation. Simply saying ‘yes’ on the phone often does not mean that you are committed to an agreement or subscription. The consumer must have consented in writing when it comes to energy or a subscription in which services are provided. Unfortunately, consumers often do not know that they are legally protected against such practices, says the regulator. They are pressured to pay when they don’t have to.

As of July 1, the telemarketing rules will change. Only consumers who have themselves agreed to this or who have been customers may still be called.

–