The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has initiated an investigation following numerous reports of fraudulent telemarketing practices concerning home batteries. These products are complex and should not be purchased through unsolicited phone calls, prompting ACM to advise consumers to terminate such conversations immediately.

Consumers who choose to continue the conversation are encouraged to record the calls on their mobile devices. This allows them to have a record of what was discussed and serves as proof of any agreements made. ACM emphasizes that if consumers are pressured during these calls, they should clearly inform telemarketers that the conversation is being recorded, as telemarketers cannot refuse this request.

ACM board member Manon Leijten highlighted the importance of consumer awareness regarding these practices. She reiterated that the safest option is to hang up when receiving unsolicited calls about home batteries. If a purchase is made over the phone, consumers have a statutory right to cancel the contract within 14 days, and in cases of misinformation, this period can extend to one year.

Reports indicate that telemarketers often use various company names or impersonate energy suppliers, making it difficult for consumers to identify the source of the call. Many individuals mistakenly believe they are agreeing to a non-binding offer, only to find out later that they have signed a binding purchase contract for a home battery, which can cost tens of thousands of euros.

While home batteries can facilitate the energy transition by storing solar energy, ACM warns that not all households with solar panels will recover the costs of these batteries within a few years. Therefore, consumers are advised to conduct thorough research and compare different battery types and models before making a purchase.