Foisted contract renewal on the phone: how to defend yourself

A common trick: during a call to the customer hotline, a contract renewal or a more expensive tariff is foisted on you in passing. Here too: telecommunications contracts concluded by phone often need a confirmation in text form, and a right of revocation exists. You do not have to accept a foisted renewal.

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Your chances of getting your money back

A contract renewal foisted on the phone is frequently not effective as long as you have not confirmed it in text form. In addition, the 14-day right of revocation exists (§ 312g BGB).

Have the recording or the content of the conversation described to you and check what was really agreed. If you insist on the old conditions, you can reject the unwanted change.

What you should do now

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1. Recognize the change
Check whether after the call a contract renewal or a new tariff appears that you did not want.
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2. Check the confirmation
Without your express confirmation in text form, the change is often ineffective.
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3. Revoke/dispute
Revoke as a precaution within 14 days and dispute the unwanted renewal in writing.
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4. Keep the old conditions
Insist that your previous contract continues on the old conditions.

How to spot the scam

After a service call a new minimum term suddenly runs.
A more expensive tariff appears without you having confirmed it in text form.
The provider relies only on a verbal promise on the phone.

Frequently asked questions

Am I bound by a phone contract renewal?

Often not. Changes to telecommunications contracts agreed by phone usually become effective only with your confirmation in text form. Without this approval, you can reject the foisted renewal.

How do I defend myself?

Dispute the unwanted change in writing, refer to the missing confirmation in text form and revoke as a precaution within 14 days (§ 312g BGB). Insist that your old contract continues on the previous conditions.

What if the provider relies on the call?

A mere verbal promise on the phone is usually not sufficient for an effective contract change over telecommunications services. Demand proof and the agreement documented in text form, if it is missing, the change is open to challenge.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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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.