Some people have heard about this or are affected by it themselves: The so-called "service charge privilege" will no longer apply from July 1, 2024 due to a change in the law and cable fees may no longer be allocated to service charges. In principle, this change in the law offers many advantages. However, criminals are taking advantage of this and pretending to be employees of cable connection providers.

The scam

The perpetrators offer to check your contract and cable connection in person and demand entry to your apartment or house in return. The aim: to steal cash, jewelry or other valuables. With this diversionary maneuver, they manage to search the apartment despite your presence.

This is the advice of the police

As a general rule: If you want to sign a new cable connection contract, don't let yourself be pressured into anything and compare which product is most suitable for you and to what extent. In addition:

• Be vigilant and do not let anyone you do not know into your home.
• If you have the slightest doubt, check with the relevant authority or company to ensure that the visit is correct.
• In particular, you can also call the police emergency number 110 if you notice anything suspicious.
• If you have been the victim of such a scam or theft, contact the police in any case and file a report.

Advice for close ones

Talk to older people about this and other scams involving trickery and theft at the front door. This will help your loved ones to protect themselves.