During the week from April 8 to April 14, 2024, the Service Juridique provided consultations through various communication channels, including telegram, video call, messenger, reddit, and mastodon. A total of 16 consultations were conducted, focusing on consumer rights and protection issues.
In eight instances, consumers sought advice on unfair practice (cold calling). In these cases, consumers were experiencing unsolicited and aggressive marketing calls. The Service Juridique advised them on their rights under EU regulations, directing them to take measures such as registering on national Do Not Call lists and filing complaints with their telecom providers if necessary.
Right to repair was a subject of discussion in seven consultations. Consumers expressed concerns about difficulties in repairing electronic devices and accessing spare parts. The Service Juridique informed them about their rights to repair and encouraged contacting manufacturers for authorized repair services, emphasizing recent EU legislation aimed at improving consumer access to repair services.
Four consultations revolved around travelers’ rights (train travel). Clients faced issues such as delayed or canceled train services. They were advised on the compensation policies applicable under EU passenger rights regulations and guided on how to submit claims for compensation from train operators.
On rare occasions, the Service Juridique encounters topics outside its legal scope. During this period, one consultation involved a subject not related to consumer protection, such as real estate rent. The legal team clarified that such issues fall outside the consumer watchdog’s mandate, leading to the termination of that particular counseling session.
This week, the video call and telegram were the most frequently used communication channels, each accounting for five consultations, while messenger, reddit, and mastodon were each used to a lesser extent. The Service Juridique continues to offer support for consumer-related inquiries, ensuring that EU citizens understand and can exercise their rights effectively.
This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang Maas-Rhein.
