12 thousand victims! A new trap catches consumers
The Consumer Protection Agency in Germany has warned of a new wave of fraud affecting thousands of citizens, with more than 12,500 complaints registered from January 2024 to March 2025 regarding invoices for magazine subscriptions that their owners did not request. The agency confirms that the method used by the fraudsters does not change: citizens receive invoices for magazines they never agreed to subscribe to.
Fraudsters use various methods to trap victims, often starting with an offer that seems free but later turns into a paid subscription. Some of the most common methods include: Phone calls offering consumers free magazines, followed by bills later. Pop-up windows on the internet featuring fake contests or surveys that lead to a paid subscription. After online purchases, consumers receive what appears to be a gift in the form of a free magazine, which turns into a paid subscription. Advertisements on social media promising free trial products, but leading to imposed subscriptions without the user's knowledge.
The entity that usually sends the invoices is Pressevertriebszentrale (PVZ), which manages subscriptions on behalf of several publishing houses. Although many affected individuals confirm that they did not sign any contract, PVZ continues to demand payment persistently and annoyingly.
One case shows the company's insistence on collecting money: a lady clearly stated during a phone call that she did not want to subscribe. However, the call center employee ignored this, and the demands only stopped after the intervention of Verbraucherzentrale Berlin and listening to the recording of the call.
The Consumer Protection Authority recommends taking the following actions immediately upon receiving any suspicious invoice: Immediate response: Subscription should be denied in writing using ready-made forms provided by the authority. Submit a cancellation for the potential subscription as soon as possible. It is advised not to engage in any sales conversations over the phone, not to trust any verbal promises, and to request any written offer if available.
The authority also warns against falling into the trap of "free offers" that should be dealt with cautiously and with constant suspicion. In case of falling victim, citizens can seek advice from the Consumer Protection Authority, which provides support in cancellation procedures or contract termination.