During the week from 2024-03-25 to 2024-03-31, the Service Juridique conducted a total of 21 consumer consultations, utilizing a variety of communication channels including e-mail, phone, video call, telegram, mastodon, and messenger. The consultations covered a wide range of topics related to consumer rights, with some consultations addressing multiple issues.

In six cases, the subject of consultation involved unfair business practices, with consumers reporting misleading advertising tactics and lack of pricing transparency. We advised consumers to gather and retain all relevant documentation and communications, as well as to assert their rights with service providers using formal written complaints.

We also dealt with four inquiries concerning banking practices. Consumers were primarily concerned with unauthorized charges and opaque loan terms. Our team guided them on how to formally dispute such discrepancies and advised on seeking further recourse through designated consumer complaint mechanisms within banks.

The subject of unfair practice related to cold calling was addressed in three consultations. Consumers expressed grievances over unsolicited marketing calls. We recommended registering on national “do not call” lists and provided advice on how to report persistent offenders to relevant enforcement bodies.

Three consultations involved GDPR issues, where consumers were uncertain about how their data was being handled by various online platforms. We clarified their rights under the GDPR, advising steps to request data access and if necessary, how to lodge a complaint with data protection authorities.

Two consultations were related to pseudo medicine/health products, where consumers raised concerns about dubious health claims associated with certain products. We emphasized the importance of scrutinizing product claims and encouraged reporting any misleading advertising to the appropriate regulatory agencies.

Travelers’ rights under package holiday contracts were the focus in two cases. Consumers sought clarity on cancellations and refund processes. We advised them to review their contracts closely and informed them of the protections afforded under EU travel regulations, including the right to a full refund for significant itinerary changes.

Unfortunately, in one instance, a consultation could not be pursued further as the issue pertained to real estate taxation, which falls outside the remit of our agency’s consumer protection scope. We made the consumer aware of this limitation.

Overall, the consultations this week underscored the breadth of issues facing consumers, reflecting the diverse nature of inquiries the Service Juridique handles on a regular basis.

This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang Maas-Rhein.