Protect yourself from unethical sales practices and fraud
As a consumer, it is important to be vigilant when contacted by smaller operators or resellers in the telecom industry. Not everyone follows laws, regulations, and the Telecom Advisors’ code of conduct. It can involve anything from outright fraud attempts to misleading information, such as someone claiming to call from a well-known company or promising things verbally that are not included in the contract.
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Some sellers try to deceive you by providing false information or pretending to represent well-known companies. There are false offers and threats of high fees if you want to cancel an agreement. Elderly people and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable target groups. To prevent this, the industry has introduced rules and agreements. If you are affected, it is important that you make a written complaint to the company and contact the Telecom Advisors or the Consumer Agency for support. You can also block your number against unwanted sales calls via the Nix register.
How the Frauds Work
You may receive a call from someone claiming to represent an operator — but the company does not actually exist. Tempting offers may lead you to say yes. Shortly thereafter, you receive a text message with information about high fees if you want to cancel or terminate the agreement, and long binding periods of several years. If you receive such a text message, you can assume it is an attempted fraud. If you have not provided personal information or bank codes, there is no danger, but if you are unsure – contact your bank directly to stop any transactions. Companies sometimes use names similar to real operators to deceive you.
Signs of Unethical Sales Methods
- You are pressured to sign an agreement during the ongoing call, in violation of the written requirement.
- You are offered business agreements even though you are a private individual, or receive insufficient information about your right of withdrawal.
- The seller claims to cooperate with, or represent, your current operator without it being true.
- You are told that the copper network will be shut down in your area or that your operator has been acquired, requiring a new agreement – even though this is not true.
- When you try to cancel or question the agreement, you are met with reluctance or receive no response.
What is the Industry Doing?
Telecom Advisors, the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority, and the Consumer Agency are actively working to counteract unethical sales methods – especially when the elderly and people with disabilities are targeted. In 2015, an action plan was developed and in 2016, measures were expanded to also include in-store sales and individual entrepreneurs. On August 13, 2024, an updated Industry Agreement was signed, which now applies to more situations.
This means, for example, that all network-owning operators must urge their partners to follow Telecom Advisors’ Code of Conduct and undergo special training. The aim is for you as a consumer to feel safe even if you are contacted by a smaller or unknown actor.
How to Protect Yourself
- Always make a written complaint to the operator if you feel they have acted unethically.
- Clearly describe what has happened and what solution you want.
- If the matter is not resolved or you do not receive a response – contact Telecom Advisors for free guidance.
- You can also file a report with the Consumer Agency.
- Protect yourself from telemarketing by blocking your number via the Nix Register.
- Contact your bank directly if you are worried about having provided sensitive information.
Together we can stop unethical sales and make it safer to be a consumer in the telecom market.