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What should I do if a company like 1N Telecom demands compensation fees after a deceptive contract switch?
The State Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (LDI) of North Rhine-Westphalia has taken decisive action against predatory advertising. On December 5, 2025, Commissioner Bettina Gayk announced fines totaling €300,000 against a telecommunications company based in the region. The penalty addresses severe violations of consumer data rights and a systemic lack of transparency.
While the official report does not name the entity, the operational patterns strongly resemble previous complaints regarding “1N Telecom GmbH.” This advisory breaks down the violations, the deceptive tactics used, and the implications for consumers.
The Nature of the Violations
The fines are split into two separate penalties of €100,000 and €200,000. These sanctions punish the company for its refusal to cooperate with legal requirements. Specifically, the company failed to:
- Respond to consumer requests for information regarding data sources.
- Process data deletion requests compliant with GDPR.
- Provide necessary transparency regarding how they acquired personal contact details.
Commissioner Gayk noted an unusual lack of insight from the company’s management. Despite clear legal obligations, the firm ignored inquiries from affected citizens and the supervisory authority alike.
Deceptive “Slamming” Tactics
The primary complaint involves a practice known in the industry as “slamming”—switching a consumer’s telephone service without their fully informed consent.
Since 2022, thousands of consumers have reported receiving personalized letters that appeared to originate from their existing provider (often Deutsche Telekom). These letters were not generic flyers; they contained highly specific personal data, including:
- Full names and current addresses.
- Existing landline telephone numbers.
- Pre-filled order forms requiring only a signature and an IBAN.
The Trap
The visual design mimicked established market leaders. Many recipients, particularly older demographics, signed the documents believing they were authorizing a tariff update with their current provider. In reality, they were authorizing a provider switch. When consumers realized the error and attempted to revoke the contract, the company aggressively demanded a lump-sum compensation payment, often around €400.
Connecting the Dots: The 1N Telecom Connection
Although the LDI report remains anonymous, the fact pattern aligns perfectly with documented issues surrounding 1N Telecom GmbH. Consumer protection agencies in Lower Saxony and other regions have previously issued warnings about identical practices involving this specific firm.
The data trail suggests a complex acquisition method. Investigations indicate that personal data may have been harvested through online prize draws organized by third parties (such as Lead One GmbH). This data, potentially routed through entities in Malta or the UK, allegedly returns to the telecom provider to serve as “evidence” of a business relationship where none exists.
Current Legal and Financial Status
The regulatory pressure on these entities is intensifying. Beyond the LDI fines, the legal landscape for companies engaging in these practices is deteriorating rapidly:
- Court Rulings: Recent judgments have favored consumers, declaring many of these “switched” contracts invalid due to the deceptive nature of the acquisition.
- Banking Blockades: Reports indicate that banks are increasingly closing accounts associated with 1N Telecom GmbH and refusing to forward payments to its collection partner, TPI Investment GmbH.
- Criminal Investigations: The Düsseldorf public prosecutor is currently investigating the management of the involved companies.
Advisor’s Recommendation
If you or a family member have received demands for compensation after unknowingly signing one of these letters, do not pay immediately. The recent fines and court rulings provide you with substantial leverage.
- Verify the Source: Scrutinize any “tariff update” letter for the actual company name in the fine print.
- Exercise Data Rights: You have the right to demand the source of your data. As this ruling demonstrates, failure to provide this information is a punishable offense.
- Monitor Financials: Ensure no unauthorized direct debits are processed. If an account closure has occurred at the provider’s end, their ability to collect may be compromised.