During the week from 2024-11-11 to 2024-11-17, the Service Juridique provided consumer consulting through available communication channels, including Mastodon and Messenger. Throughout the week, we conducted a total of 19 consultations, addressing various consumer issues.

A prevalent topic of consultation this week was right to repair. In five instances, consumers sought guidance on their rights regarding the repair of electronic goods. They were advised on the applicable EU regulations that support their entitlement to repair services and how to approach the manufacturers or retailers with their requests.

GDPR concerns were also significant, with four consultations focusing on data protection rights. Consumers were informed about their rights under the GDPR and the steps involved in exercising these rights, such as accessing personal data or requesting deletion.

The issue of warranty on consumer goods was addressed in three cases. Consumers were guided on distinguishing between warranties offered by manufacturers and legal guarantees, advising them on the processes to follow to claim these warranties successfully.

In three consultations, we dealt with pricing transparency. Consumers raised concerns about unclear pricing strategies in various retail situations. We provided them with information on the EU directives that ensure pricing transparency and advised them on how to verify the accuracy of displayed prices.

(Unfair) general terms and conditions were the focus of two consultations. Here, the advice centered on identifying potentially unfair provisions and strategies for challenging these terms when they are found to be disadvantageous to the consumer.

Two consumers raised concerns categorized as unfair business practices. We offered guidance on recognizing such practices and outlined the procedural steps they could take to report these issues effectively, based on EU consumer protection laws.

On one occasion, a consultation addressed food supplements focusing on misleading claims made on nutritional labels. We advised the consumer about labeling regulations and how to verify health claims with credible sources.

Banking topics featured in one case where we provided advice on consumer rights regarding bank charges and the appropriate channels for lodging complaints against unfair fees.

There was one instance where the consultation could not be fulfilled. The issue presented was outside the purview of our scope, involving tax matters linked to real estate, which falls outside the jurisdiction of our consumer protection mandate.

All consultations aimed at empowering consumers with the knowledge to address their queries effectively, in keeping with our commitment to uphold consumer rights within the EU.

This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang Maas-Rhein.