Many consumers are not fully aware of the legal implications of an operation that has now become very common: the Signature of contracts through OTP code. To focus attention on this issue, which is very little talked about, is Altroconsumo.
You will certainly have happened that some telephone operators propose an offer, perhaps for your bills of light or gas, which seems advantageous and, accepting, offers you to sign the contract in this way.
There OTP (One Time Password) signaturewhich takes place through the insertion of a temporary code received via SMS, has the same legal value as an autographed signature. However, the risk that you run is that, without a correct reading of the contract, conditions have been accepted that had not been carefully evaluated.
The only way to cancel a contract signed in this way is to exercise the right of withdrawal within 14 days of subscription. But what exactly happens when signing OTP and how to protect yourself? Let’s see together what he underlined Altroconsumo.
What is the OTP signature and how it works
The signature with OTP is an advanced form of electronic signature, which uses a temporary code sent to your phone or email. This code has a limited duration, which guarantees its safety and protection against fraud. When you accept a telephone proposal, the operator sends you a link to the contract which, once clicked, allows you to read it and, finally, to sign it with the insertion of the OTP code.
In the past, the telephone offers were binding only if, after the call, the operator sent a written copy of the contract, and the consumer had the opportunity to refuse it. With the OTP signature, however, this guarantee fails. Sign the contract on the phone via OTP means accepting it immediately, without the same protections provided by the law for traditional telephone contracts. In short, the digital signature makes the contract immediately valid, even if you have not had time to reflect and read all the clauses.
How the signature takes place with OTP
When the operator sends you the link to the contract, this is often long and complex, with many pages to read. Once you click on the link, you will have to confirm that you have read the contract, but few consumers really take the time to do it. After that, enter the OTP code that you receive via SMS to complete the digital signature. This step, which takes place quickly, makes the contract legally valid.
Altroconsumo He underlines that, in some cases, the procedure may require two OTP codes (one via SMS and one via email), which further complicates the awareness of consumers on the risks related to the signature. In addition, there is no registration of the phone call that clearly exposes the economic conditions, which makes it even more difficult to contest the contract later.
How to defend yourself? The right of withdrawal
The good news is that, if you realize that you have signed a contract that you did not want to sign, you can always exercise the right of withdrawal within 14 days of the signature, thanks to the legislation on remote contracts. Altroconsumo He recommends paying attention before entering any code received via SMS: if you are not sure of the conditions or wishes some time to evaluate the offer, refuse the immediate signature and ask for a written copy of the contract.
