Received a payment demand from TPI Investment in late 2025? Here is why banks are blocking these transfers.

Is the 1N Telecom class action lawsuit worth joining now that Carrier 1 GmbH has launched?

As we close 2025, the conflict regarding 1N Telecom GmbH shifts into a complex legal phase. While public outcry has quieted slightly, significant corporate restructuring is occurring behind the scenes. This report summarizes the current risks, the legal standing of debt claims, and the sudden formation of new associated entities.

The Core Dispute: A Pattern of Alleged Deception

Since 2023, thousands of German consumers have reported misleading practices by 1N Telecom GmbH. The core allegation involves the company impersonating Deutsche Telekom AG to induce contract switches.

• The Mechanism: Sales agents allegedly utilized deceptive scripts to confuse consumers.
• The Trap: When the technical switch failed (as it often did), consumers remained with Deutsche Telekom. 1N Telecom then invoiced these individuals approximately €420 for “damages” citing breach of contract.
• Data Origin: Investigations suggest consumer addresses may have been harvested through fraudulent online prize draws. The Lower Saxony Consumer Center continues to warn against these tactics.

Debt Collection Escalation: TPI Investment Takes Over

1N Telecom originally employed established debt collectors like Riverty and BID (Bayerischer Inkasso Dienst). Both agencies ceased cooperation in 2024, likely due to compliance concerns.

In late 2025, a new entity named TPI Investment GmbH assumed the collection duties. They act aggressively. TPI frequently attaches partial court rulings to their letters to project validity. However, their banking infrastructure appears unstable. Reports confirm that multiple German banks currently block transfers to TPI Investment accounts, reversing funds to protect depositors from potential fraud.

Judicial Update: The Courts Are Divided

The legal landscape remains fragmented. Your obligation to pay depends heavily on specific jurisdictional rulings.

Rulings Favoring the Consumer:

• Leipzig District Court (Dec 2024): Ruled that 1N Telecom mailings falsely implied a relationship with Deutsche Telekom. The claim was dismissed.
• Ansbach District Court (Dec 13, 2024): Issued a declaratory judgment stating no valid contract ever existed.
• Düsseldorf District Court (Case 235 C 176/25): Attorney Fabian Fritsch secured a binding judgment declaring the contract invalid.

Rulings Favoring the Company:

• Magdeburg Regional Court: Overturned a lower court decision, upholding a 1N Telecom judgment. This proves that ignoring court orders remains risky.

The Class Action Status

As of December 19, 2025, the Consumer Protection Agency filed a comprehensive class-action lawsuit at the Higher Regional Court of Hamm. While this seeks repayment for victims, the financial liquidity of 1N Telecom remains doubtful.

Corporate Maneuvers: The “Phoenix” Strategy?

The most critical development occurred this month. While litigation mounts against 1N Telecom, the management appears to be restructuring.

New Registrations (December 2025)

1. Carrier 1 GmbH: Registered Dec 15, 2025 (Düsseldorf HRB 111266). Purpose: Telecommunication network operation.
2. Philipp Hoffmann Beteiligungen GmbH: Registered Dec 12, 2025 (Düsseldorf HRB 111249). Purpose: Asset management and holding.

The Implications

Both companies share a “virtual office” address at the Business Center Seestern in Düsseldorf. This serves as a major red flag.

• Asset Protection: The creation of a holding company often signals an intent to shield assets. Profits can be moved from operational companies (like Carrier 1) to the holding company, securing them 95% tax-free.
• Liability Isolation: If 1N Telecom declares insolvency due to the class action, the assets stored in the new holding structure may remain untouchable.

Advisor Recommendation

The situation is volatile. 1N Telecom faces pressure from the Düsseldorf public prosecutor (fraud investigation) and the Data Protection Commissioner (€300,000 fine).

Immediate Action Plan:

1. Do Not Pay Voluntarily: TPI Investment demands are contested.
2. Check Your Bank: If you attempted to settle, ensure the bank did not auto-reverse the payment.
3. Monitor Carrier 1 GmbH: Be wary of offers from this new entity, as it shares management with 1N Telecom.
4. Join the Class Action: Register with the Federal Office of Justice register if you have an open claim, but maintain low expectations for actual financial reimbursement.