Das Closing System Costly Online Income Trap

In recent years, online “coaching” programs and digital business models have exploded in popularity across social media platforms. They promise time freedom, flexible income, and quick success — often presented through flashy testimonials and luxury-lifestyle imagery. One of the latest to draw scrutiny is a platform called “Das Closing System,” operated by Pietsch Coaching & Consulting Ltd., a Hong Kong–based company reportedly run by Fabian Pietsch.

This system markets itself as a straightforward, secure way to build a second income stream online. However, behind the sleek videos and confident messaging lie numerous complaints about unexpected costs, contract traps, and a lack of transparency. A recent case brought to our attention by a member of our consumer protection association sheds light on how easily users can find themselves locked into expensive commitments they never intended to make.

The Promise: A Simple Way to Earn Money Online

The official website of Das Closing System (URL: https://das-closing-system.de/, accessed May 24, 2024) presents itself as a gateway to financial independence. It targets people who want to earn money digitally — particularly those seeking to work remotely, spend more time with family, or escape the traditional 9-to-5 lifestyle.

In its promotional materials, the company claims to help users create a “zweites Standbein” — literally, a “second leg” or additional source of income. According to the marketing language, this system enables individuals to achieve financial stability without major risks or prior experience.

However, the site’s content provides little clarity about what the actual “system” entails. Instead of explaining the business model, it features a series of short testimonial videos from supposed “participants” who share vague success stories.

For instance, one featured participant, identified as Phil W., states:

“As a new father, I wanted to work exclusively digitally without any local ties. I earned my first €3,000 after one and a half weeks and reached €20,000 within a month.”

These anecdotes are designed to inspire trust — yet they provide no evidence of how these results were achieved or whether they are typical.

The Face Behind the System: Fabian Pietsch

The imprint (Impressum) of Das Closing System lists the operator as Pietsch Coaching & Consulting Ltd., registered in Hong Kong. The public face of the company is Fabian Pietsch, who presents himself as a successful digital entrepreneur and mentor.

On Instagram, Pietsch regularly posts motivational content, testimonials, and photos of clients claiming major financial breakthroughs. In one post dated December 19, 2022, he boasts that his system has helped over 500 people build a secondary income stream.

However, these posts rarely clarify the exact nature of the business, the methods used, or the financial commitments required. The focus, instead, is on aspirational storytelling — an approach typical of online “business coaching” models that emphasize lifestyle over transparency.

A Consumer’s Experience: When Curiosity Turns Expensive

One of our association’s members, Mr. L, encountered Das Closing System earlier this year. He shared his story with us in detail to help others avoid similar pitfalls.

The First Contact

According to Mr. L, he first came across a promotional video by Fabian Pietsch on Instagram on April 1, 2024. The video, which emphasized financial freedom and remote income, directed him to a website link and an email contact form. After reaching out, he was soon contacted by a representative named Daniel M. via WhatsApp.

During their conversation, Daniel allegedly encouraged Mr. L to click on a link “to become a member.” At this point, Mr. L says he was “confused” — up to that moment, there had been no mention of any costs. However, upon following the link, he suddenly found himself on a page displaying video content tied to a total price of more than €4,000.

Believing that he could cancel within two weeks under Germany’s right of withdrawal laws (Widerrufsrecht), he proceeded to click and finalize the contract.

The Payment Trap: No Easy Way Out

The transaction was processed through Digistore24, a well-known online payment service provider that frequently handles sales for coaching programs, e-courses, and digital “mentorship” packages. We have previously reported on Digistore24’s role in facilitating costly contracts tied to questionable offers.

After realizing the high cost, Mr. L. promptly contacted Digistore24 requesting to withdraw from the purchase. However, his request was rejected. The response he received stated plainly:

“Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate your request for a refund.”

When he contacted Das Closing System directly, he was informed that no withdrawal right existed because he had checked a box confirming that the digital content could be accessed immediately — effectively waiving his right of cancellation under EU consumer law.

The Legal Grey Area: Losing the Right of Withdrawal

Many digital businesses exploit a specific clause in European law that removes a consumer’s right of withdrawal once the customer agrees to receive digital content immediately.

In practice, this means that by ticking a box — often buried in fine print — the consumer waives their right to cancel, even if they did not fully understand what they were purchasing.

When asked whether he would have entered into the agreement had he known that he would lose this right, Mr. L. responded:

“Absolutely not. I would never have signed the contract if I had known I couldn’t withdraw.”

He further explained that the persuasive conversation with Daniel M. played a decisive role:

“If I hadn’t spoken to Daniel, I would 100% not have entered into a contract. I don’t know if it was manipulation, but it felt like it.”

While we cannot determine whether deliberate manipulation occurred, Mr. L’s experience highlights how easily consumers can be nudged into binding contracts under emotional pressure or misleading assurances.

How Das Closing System Operates

Based on our review of the Das Closing System website, testimonials, and feedback from consumers, the platform fits a pattern commonly seen among “digital income” programs:

1. Social Media Targeting: Ads and videos promise an easy, low-risk way to earn money online.
2. High-Ticket Sales Funnels: Once interested, users are guided toward “exclusive membership” or “training” that costs thousands of euros.
3. Psychological Pressure: Through sales calls or chat conversations, users are persuaded to make quick decisions before fully understanding the commitment.
4. Digital Product Loopholes: By accepting immediate access to digital content, users unknowingly waive their cancellation rights.
5. Limited Transparency: The actual content — what you learn, how income is generated, or whether results are achievable — is unclear or hidden until after payment.

Such structures are not outright illegal, but they often border on deceptive marketing and raise serious ethical questions about consumer protection.

The Coaching Business Model: Selling the Dream

Das Closing System is part of a growing global trend in which “coaches” and “mentors” sell digital business blueprints promising passive income or high-ticket sales careers.

These systems often emphasize “mindset,” “confidence,” and “financial freedom,” while downplaying the practical and financial risks involved. The testimonials — such as earning “€20,000 in one month” — are rarely verifiable and create unrealistic expectations for potential clients.

Critics argue that many such systems generate revenue primarily from new enrollments, not from the success of participants — a structure reminiscent of pyramid-style marketing models.

The Role of Digistore24

The inclusion of Digistore24 as a payment processor complicates consumer recourse. Once a contract is processed through Digistore24, refunds are rarely approved without the vendor’s consent.

This arrangement effectively leaves consumers without a direct path to dispute transactions, even when they claim deception or misunderstanding. While Digistore24 technically complies with the law, the lack of flexibility reinforces the need for stronger oversight and clearer refund mechanisms in the digital coaching sector.

Psychological Sales Techniques and Manipulation Risks

Our analysis suggests that programs like Das Closing System rely heavily on emotional persuasion and psychological sales tactics.

The use of personal messaging (e.g., via WhatsApp), rapid-fire decision-making, and selective success stories create a sense of urgency and social proof. Recruits are encouraged to think, “If others can do it, so can I.”

However, without full disclosure of the terms, these methods may cross into manipulative behavior, particularly when targeting individuals seeking financial relief or flexible income options.

Experts in consumer psychology warn that such tactics exploit cognitive biases — including loss aversion (the fear of missing out) and authority bias (trusting someone perceived as successful).

Consumer Protection Perspective

From a legal standpoint, Das Closing System appears to operate within a loophole of EU digital commerce law. By securing users’ consent to waive withdrawal rights, it shields itself from refund obligations.

Nevertheless, the lack of transparency regarding costs and commitments could constitute a violation of EU Directive 2011/83/EU on consumer rights, which mandates clear pre-contractual information.

We urge consumers to exercise caution when engaging with high-cost online coaching offers, especially those involving offshore companies — as in this case, a Hong Kong–based operator.

Transparency and Accountability Issues

When contacted for comment, neither Pietsch Coaching & Consulting Ltd. nor Fabian Pietsch responded to our inquiries. Their website lists no direct telephone number, only an email contact form.

This absence of accessible communication channels raises further concerns about accountability. Consumers who feel misled or want to cancel their contracts face significant obstacles in reaching a responsible representative.

The Bigger Picture: Online Coaching and Digital Scams

The rise of systems like Das Closing System reflects a broader challenge in the digital economy. While legitimate coaching programs exist, the line between education and exploitation is often thin.

Social media algorithms amplify success stories while hiding negative experiences. This imbalance leaves consumers vulnerable to overhyped promises, especially when promoted through paid testimonials and influencer-style marketing.

Consumer organizations across Europe have repeatedly called for tighter regulations on digital product sales, mandatory disclosure of refund rights, and restrictions on misleading testimonials.

Written by

Nancy Drew

Updated

3 months ago