If you order something online, receive the goods, but do not pay the invoice on time – things can get difficult. In such a case, the company that shipped the goods can claim its money. The procedure is called debt collection (Inkasso). The company can hire special companies or a lawyer to collect the money. These companies often threaten the buyer with enormous costs – for legal proceedings for example. “The bills are often excessive,” writes the consumer advice center on its website. There, it offers a free debt collection check (Inkasso-Check). Through this, it can be checked whether the claims must be paid or whether the full amount of the costs is justified. In addition, the consumer advice center provides nine detailed tips on how those affected can react correctly to debt collection claims. For example, do not let yourself be intimidated. Above all, do not sign anything you do not understand. The consumer advice center also answers questions about the procedure – for example, “What are debt collection companies allowed to do?” It describes every single step of the procedure and explains the technical terms. There are also sample letters on their website, such as a letter to ward off unjustified claims in writing. If in doubt, those affected should seek advice from a consumer advice center or other experts such as the debt counseling service or from the integration managers.
For the online check, enter “Verbraucherzentrale Inkasso-Check” in the search bar.
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Impressionen zum Leben in Zeiten der Corona-Pandemie: Foto: tünews INTERNATIONAL; Mostafa Elyasian, 05.11.2020
