From success story to court case
"Find your mindset", "Earn millions with real estate" or "Your path to financial freedom" - countless online coaches vie for customers on social networks with promises like these. The courses often cost thousands of euros, some even more than a mid-range car. What many buyers don't know: Many of these providers work without a state license - and this is precisely what is now becoming their downfall.
The Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has made a clear statement in its recent ruling (case no. III ZR 109/24): coaching contracts are invalid without approval in accordance with the German Distance Learning Protection Act (FernUSG). The consequence: Anyone who has paid for such online coaching can demand their money back - even for sums in the five-figure range.
What does the ruling mean in concrete terms?
In this specific case, it was a "business mentoring program" with the beautiful title "Financial Fitness". The cost: 47,600 euros. Half had already been paid - 23,800 euros. The provider was not licensed under the German Distance Learning Act (FernUSG) - and therefore not entitled to his fee. The judges ruled: Contract void. Money back.
Particularly explosive: the ruling applies not only to private consumers, but also to commercial customers. In other words, entrepreneurs or self-employed people who promised themselves growth, reach or business success from expensive online coaching - and were disappointed.
Who is affected?
The BGH ruling affects online formats that take place entirely or predominantly via the Internet.
So:
- Video calls via Zoom, Skype or WhatsApp
- Online courses with modules or PDFs
- Digital mentoring programs
- Group coaching sessions with chat support
Pure face-to-face events are not affected. In the case of hybrid seminars - i.e. partly online, partly on site - it depends on the preponderance of online components.
Many of these programs have a problem: most providers do not even have the legally required approval. And this is not just a formal flaw - but a real breach of the law with expensive consequences.
What can those affected do?
Anyone who has booked such coaching - and perhaps even financed it at great expense - should act now:
- Have the contract checked: Does the provider have a FernUSG license? If not: Money back!
- Stop payments: In the absence of approval, even outstanding installments no longer have to be paid.
- Seek legal advice: A lawyer can enforce reclaims or suspend payment obligations.
- By the way: Initial checks can be carried out free of charge, for example, at the Interessengemeinschaft Widerruf.
Blow to the self-optimization industry
This ruling is a wake-up call for all those who cash in with big words and zero substance - and a glimmer of hope for thousands who feel they have been ripped off.
For too long, the coaching scene has been operating in a legal gray area - with five-figure bills for content that can often be found for free on YouTube. The BGH ruling sets an example: Anyone who charges money must also abide by the rules. And if you don't have a license, you now have a real problem. Less mindset - more legal certainty. Good advice costs money. Empty promises cost even more.
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