During the week of October 14 to October 20, 2024, the Service Juridique engaged in a comprehensive review of consumer consultations, addressing a range of issues pertinent to consumer rights within the European Union. A total of 19 consultations were conducted through various communication channels, including video calls, messenger, Reddit, and Telegram. Throughout these sessions, our team provided legal advice and guidance, helping consumers navigate their rights and options.
In seven instances, our consultations focused on unfair practice, specifically addressing concerns regarding misleading information or statements. Consumers were advised to gather all relevant documentation and evidence of the misleading communication and to directly contact the company involved to request correction and resolution of the issue. In cases where the company did not respond satisfactorily, we recommended filing a formal complaint through official consumer protection channels.
Meanwhile, unfair practice involving the exerting of pressure was a recurrent theme, with five consultations highlighting this issue. We advised consumers to document any aggressive or excessive practices experienced and to cease further communication with the offending business. Should harassment continue, legal actions such as restraining orders were suggested where applicable, emphasizing the importance of protecting one’s personal rights.
Regarding unfair practice via cold calling, four consultations were conducted. Consumers were instructed on how to register with national “do not call” lists and to report unsolicited calls to relevant authorities. Furthermore, we advised consumers to request explicit removal from the company’s call lists and to record any future unauthorized contact attempts.
Two inquiries dealt with travelers’ rights, particularly in relation to package holidays. Consumers were informed of their rights under the Package Travel Directive, including the possibility of contract termination with a full refund in cases of significant changes to travel arrangements. Documentation of contract terms and any communication with the travel provider were recommended for resolution and protection.
In one case, the counseling was deemed outside the scope of our services as it pertained to an issue occurring outside the EU jurisdiction. The consumer was informed that we were unable to proceed with the consultation, emphasizing the limits of our mandate in such circumstances.
Overall, this week’s consultations underscored persistent issues in unfair practices, with a notable emphasis on misleading statements and undue pressure tactics. Through our advising, we aim to empower consumers, ensuring they are well-informed of their rights and capable of seeking just resolutions within the frameworks designed to protect them.
This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang.
