The week of 5th August to 11th August 2024 witnessed a total of 19 consultations carried out by the Service Juridique. Throughout this period, we addressed various consumer protection issues via multiple communication channels including phone, e-mail, mastodon, and reddit.

During this week, the issue of unfair practice (exerting of pressure) emerged prominently in 11 cases. Such practices often involved undue pressure exerted on consumers to make purchases or enter into contracts without proper consideration. Consumers were advised to document instances of pressure, refrain from making hasty decisions, and lodge formal complaints with us for further action.

The issue of failure to provide mandatory information was discussed in nine separate cases. These consultations often revolved around businesses not disclosing essential details about products or services as required by law. Our advice centered on seeking detailed written information from the businesses and holding transactions until transparency was ensured.

We engaged in seven consultations concerning pricing transparency. Several consumers raised concerns regarding hidden fees and unclear terms related to pricing. They were advised to insist on complete disclosure of costs before making commitments and to keep communication records for future reference.

Additionally, unfair business practices (not specified) were addressed in six instances. These cases encompassed a variety of unspecified practices that appeared deceptive or unethical. Our guidance was to meticulously gather evidence and to challenge such practices based on the consumer’s rights under existing EU consumer protection laws.

Each consultation revealed that while some issues combined multiple concerns, the Service Juridique ensured that appropriate advice was delivered to empower consumers in upholding their rights. There was one instance where the consultation was inconclusive due to the matter falling outside the agency’s jurisdiction, highlighting the occasional boundary of our service scope. Overall, the consultations strived to enhance consumer awareness and protection during the reported week.

This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang Maas-Rhein.