A demand for a prize-draw subscription you never signed up for
An invoice or a lawyer's letter for several thousand euros, for a prize-draw or lottery subscription you supposedly agreed by phone years ago. Except: you remember no such call. Then the most important sentence comes first: whoever demands money must prove that a contract came about.
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What you should do now
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1. Stay calm and transfer nothing
The short deadline in the letter is meant to stop you from checking calmly. Take the time anyway.
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2. Have the letter checked
Paste the text into the scam check. It recognises the typical features of such demands and tells you what to do now.
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3. Check the sender
If a law firm or debt collector is on the letterhead, check in the official register whether they exist, and compare the contact details with the legal notice. An entry alone does not prove the letter came from there.
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4. Look at the website from the letter
Use the domain check to see how long the website named has existed. If it is younger than the alleged contract, it cannot support it. That is a strong argument in your objection.
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5. Dispute in writing and demand proof
Dispute the conclusion of the contract in writing and demand proof. Do not acknowledge anything and do not make a part payment. You can create a suitable letter here.
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6. Do not call back, do not supply more data
Do not call the number in the letter and do not give bank details on the phone. Every response confirms to criminals that you can be reached.
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7. Get advice and report it
The Verbraucherzentrale assesses free of charge whether the claim is dubious. If you suspect fraud, you can report it to the police.
How to spot the scam
- The contract is said to have been agreed by phone, and you remember no call.
- The alleged agreement is years old, but the demand only arrives now.
- A high sum, a short deadline, threats of a lawsuit or dunning procedure.
- No evidence of the contract, no contract number, no proof of your consent.
- The website named was registered only shortly before the letter.
Frequently asked questions
Can a valid contract come about on the phone at all?
In principle contracts can also be concluded orally. What matters here is the question of proof: whoever demands money under a contract must prove that it came about. So ask specifically for the date, the time, the content and proof of your consent.
Do I have to pay when the deadline expires?
A deadline the sender sets itself changes nothing about the legal position. If there is no valid claim, there is no default either (§ 286 BGB). Respond in writing anyway so your objection is documented.
Is a claim from 2023 not long since time-barred?
Usually not. The standard limitation period is three years (§ 195 BGB) and only starts at the end of the year in which the claim arose (§ 199 BGB). An alleged claim from 2023 would normally become time-barred only at the end of 2026. So do not rely on limitation, your point is that the contract never existed.
What happens if a Mahnbescheid really does arrive?
A court dunning notice comes from the Amtsgericht in a yellow envelope (§ 688 ZPO). You must not ignore it: you have two weeks to tick the objection box on the form and send it back (§ 694 ZPO). The matter then goes to court and the claimant has to substantiate the claim.
The letter shows real details about me. Does that prove the contract?
No. Your name, address or parts of your IBAN do not prove that a contract was concluded. Such data often comes from data breaches or address trading and is meant to make the letter look credible. Check your account statements anyway and inform your bank.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.