During the week from 2024-09-09 to 2024-09-15, the Service Juridique handled a total of 18 consultations related to various consumer protection issues. The means of communication utilized by consumers included phone, e-mail, mastodon, messenger, and reddit, allowing us to address a wide range of concerns.

Among the consultations, unfair practice (misleading information or statement) was a prominent topic, occurring in seven instances. Consumers were advised to collect and retain all communication and advertising materials related to the issue and to consider lodging a complaint with the relevant authorities if the issue persists. Failure to provide mandatory information was another common concern, mentioned in five consultations. In these cases, we guided consumers to demand the necessary information in writing from the service provider, which is their right under EU consumer protection laws.

The issue of unfair practice (exerting of pressure) was discussed in four separate instances. Consumers facing this problem were informed about their right to a cooling-off period and advised to withdraw from agreements that were signed under duress. Unfair practice (cold calling) was less frequent, though still relevant in two cases discussed. For these, consumers were advised to register their numbers with opt-out services to prevent further unsolicited communications and to report persistent offenders.

In one instance, a consultation was rendered unsuccessful due to the issue being outside our jurisdiction, as it pertained to a real estate rental dispute occurring outside the EU. The consumer was informed of our scope limitations and was guided on finding appropriate legal counsel to address their specific issue.

Throughout the week, e-mail was the most commonly used means of communication, followed by phone. This allowed for detailed exchanges of information, ensuring consumers received comprehensive advice tailored to their specific situations. The Service Juridique remains committed to assisting EU consumers in navigating complex and challenging situations in line with EU consumer protection laws.

This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang Viadrina.