How do I recognize a sneaky start-up agency or start-up law firm?

Start-up agencies that aim to exploit and retain their customers.

Here are some signs that point to tried and tested rip-off strategies:

• Superficial information on the services offered
• Excessive use of warnings such as "caution" and "trap" in articles outlining your options.
• Contradictory statements, e.g. negative presentation of the foundation without personal presence in an article, but positive presentation in the offers
• Superfluous statistical information that is highly generalized
• Pointless offers that are made to create contrasts
• Threats of consequences for mistakes, without explanations on how to avoid mistakes
• Unclear consultation prices, often with free initial consultation
• Use of trust seals without verifiable sources
• Lack of price lists, instead printing to request a non-binding initial consultation
• Use of red colors to suggest formality and urgency
• Logos with similarities to authoritarian structures

Aggressive marketing, but little substance

Of course, everyone wants to be paid fairly for their services. However, the fees should be reasonable so as not to be considered a scam. The customer should be treated honestly and placed at the center.

In today's globalized world, digitalization offers everyone the opportunity to set up a company quickly and inexpensively without having to worry about complex legal hurdles. Nevertheless, there are still "agencies" and "law firms" that target older generations and exploit the ignorance of their customers.

In the past, these start-up agencies would have been right!

Outdated assumptions such as the need for managing directors to be physically present in the country where the company is based and to have office space there are also outdated. The reality is that location independence is becoming increasingly important through the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence and is being promoted by many governments. Digital Banks with biometric interactive verification also do not require physical presence and save time and money by eliminating the need to travel and appear in person. Claims like "in-person presence required" come from people who don't understand digitization and are fixated on bureaucracy.

The legal situation has also evolved, with location-independent working and the management of Companies without a physical presence are even promoted in the EU. Thanks to new technologies and electronic data processing, the virtual working environment is just as serious as a traditional office.

Conclusion

The demand for virtual products and services has increased significantly in recent years, expanding the creative industry and making it more reputable and profitable. Compared to earlier times when such "rip-off agencies" could flourish, today's business environment has become much more transparent and trustworthy.