The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has raised concerns about telemarketing practices related to energy contracts, particularly those involving authorizations. These practices can lead to consumers and businesses being switched to different energy suppliers without their knowledge, resulting in unwanted contracts and high fees.

ACM's recent study indicates that one in four households has received telemarketing calls about energy contracts, with nearly half of those consumers feeling pressured to accept offers. The authority has also received numerous complaints from independent contractors and businesses regarding these unsolicited calls, which often involve the use of authorizations to take out energy contracts on their behalf.

Manon Leijten, a member of ACM's board, emphasized the complexity of energy contracts and the risks associated with selling them over the phone. She noted that telemarketing sales using authorizations increase the likelihood of deception, leaving consumers and businesses stuck with contracts they did not consciously choose.

ACM warns that businesses, unlike consumers, do not have the same legal protections, such as a cooling-off period, making them more vulnerable to unwanted contracts. The authority advises against signing authorizations over the phone, especially during unsolicited calls, and encourages consumers to revoke any authorizations they may have signed without proper information.

While authorizations can be useful in certain situations, ACM stresses that they should not be used by telemarketers to take out energy contracts. The authority has previously warned about the risks of telemarketing practices and is currently investigating businesses that may not comply with stricter guidelines regarding unsolicited calls.