Beware of Yellow Yellow Pages 2011

The Federation of German Naturopaths warns of new rip-off

10.08.2011

The Federation of German Holistic Practitioners e.V. is currently warning of a new rip-off scam. In recent weeks, numerous health practitioners and therapists have received mail from an ominous provider. This offers in his mail initially no obvious offer, but asks for confirmation of an entry in the „Yellow Yellow Pages 2011“ on.

In the subject line of the mail is: "Your entry in the Yellow Yellow Pages 2011". The following text personally addresses the recipient:

Dear company xxx naturopaths,
according to § 33 of the German Federal Data Protection Act we inform you about your entry in the Yellow Business Directory 2011.

We kindly ask you to check the data and to return the attachment and this to us by fax if necessary. If you can not open the file, please look under the following link: ... Best regards, Your Yellow Yellow Pages Team "

Attached to the mail is a PDF form that is the business directory „Yellow Pages“ does not look dissimilar. Only when you read the following text carefully, it becomes clear that a very high sums for the entry is required here. „With your signature, you order a paid "Business Premium Entry" in the directory www.gelbesbranchenbuch.com for 780.00 EUR zzg. VAT. for at least 2 years (total cost at least 1.856,40 EUR!).“ A little further you will find the following friendly note: "The Yellow Yellow Pages is in no business relationship with the yellow pages of the Yellow Pages Zeichen GbR (DeTeMedien)." "Contractors & Contractors: GBB Ltd., Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Rd., Ajeltake Island, Majuro, Marshall Islands, MH 96960. Company Number: 37214."

So before you send such a contract by fax or online via an entry form, the conditions should be read carefully. The probable scam behind it: Individual small entrepreneurs or non-medical practitioners do not look through every mail or cover letter in their professional life. Since a similarity in color to the "yellow pages" of Deutsche Post, some think it is an entry for the „Yellow Pages“ and "confirm the information". But actually a contract is signed, which obliges to a payment. Anyone who has already received such a letter should seek legal advice. The chances are not bad, because the company is abroad and an enforcement action in Germany is unlikely in all experience. (Sb)

Picture: Harry Hautumm