Attention, scam! How to protect yourself from advertising calls

Advertising calls can have various reasons: "Your subscription is being extended for another year", "We have a new tariff for you...", "You have won..." When a stranger calls, you often don't really know what they actually want. And that's exactly when you should be careful: Very often it's not just unwanted advertising, but quite simply fraud!

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Advertising calls are simply annoying. Resist them!

Attention, advertising calls: Hang up the phone when strangers call!

Many people find it difficult not to answer or hang up advertising calls because they don't want to be rude. Do you see the number on the display and don't know it? Don't answer by name! The caller is often waiting for this in order to be able to address you correctly in the first place.

Have the caller blocked: Do not call back if you receive an advertising call!

Sometimes a voice computer calls and offers to call you back, e.g. because of a supposed prize - often on an expensive 0900 telephone number. Ignore this! You can make a note of the number and report it to the Federal Network Agency (rufnummernmissbrauch@bnetza.de). They can disconnect the number and block the caller. If you do make a call, you can have the charges reversed by your bank or savings bank within four weeks of receiving the telephone bill and submit a written complaint to the telephone provider.

Never give out account access data!

This is requested, for example, for an alleged direct payment of a prize. Or the bank supposedly contacts you to check your access data. A bank employee will never ask for your telephone PIN, online PIN or TAN, according to the banking association! Do you suspect that your online banking or telephone banking PIN has fallen into the wrong hands? Change your access data immediately and inform the bank.

Unsolicited advertising calls are prohibited

Nevertheless, effective contracts can be concluded in the course of these unsolicited advertising calls! Challenge unwanted contracts in writing on the grounds of fraudulent misrepresentation. As a consumer, you also have a 14-day right of withdrawal - make use of it.

Extra tip

Do not give out your telephone number too easily! Advertising calls are only permitted with your express consent. This is often given lightly when filling out a form. Unwanted advertising: Ask the caller to remove you from the list!